By the early 1960s, Volkswagen was a well established manufacturer in most markets. Not only that, but Volkswagen had many class leading vehicles in their range, including hatchbacks, sedans, vans and campers. However, Volkswagen felt that there was one more type of vehicle they could produce: Military vehicles.
As such, Volkswagen came up with the Type 181: Essentially a European version of the American Jeep. The car was built on a Type 1 chassis, with the legendary flat-4 engine and a manual transmission. The car was initially developed for the West German Army in the mid 60s, entering production in 1968. The car was a huge success, as its light weight and tough chassis made it extremely useful in rough conditions and on uneven ground.
Around the same time, many customers were asking for an off-road style vehicle from Volkswagen. Executives in The US felt that a car like this would sell extremely well as a fun, recreational vehicle amongst younger buyers. Meanwhile in Mexico, customers were demanding a vehicle that could handle tough rural roads better that the Type 1, which was a huge seller in Mexico at the time.
As such, the decision was made to begin commercially selling the Type 181, beginning in 1971. It was sold mostly in Germany, Mexico and the US, being called the Kurierwagen in Germany, the Safari in Mexico and the Thing in US. It sold relatively well and was kept on the market for a while. The 181 found its niche with off-roaders, people who loved the car for its capabilities and were willing to look past its spartan interior.
The 181 found better success as a military vehicle throughout Europe, as the scrapping of a project known as the Europa Jeep meant that the 181 could be sold to other European countries. However, by the late 70s, the newer type 183 succeeded the 181, resulting in the end of the production of the military version in 1979.
However, the civilian version of the vehicle continued to sell in several markets, except the US, where Volkswagen stopped selling the Thing due to stricter safety regulations. In Europe and Mexico, sales continued until 1983, when production was stopped for good.
The type 181 is a strange vehicle, one that may not be aesthetically pleasing, but it got the job done, and did it well enough to remain on the market for 15 years. While it may not have been the most powerful off-road vehicle, it was a fun vehicle to drive and many people continue to enjoy its incredible talents to this day.
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