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What years did Volkswagen make the thing?

Author

Chloe Ramirez

Updated on March 07, 2026

What years did Volkswagen make the thing?

Manufactured in Wolfsburg, West Germany (1968–74), Hannover, West Germany (1974–83), Puebla, Mexico (1970–80), and Jakarta, Indonesia (1973–80), the Type 181 shared its mechanicals with Volkswagen's Type 1 (Beetle) and the pre-1968 Volkswagen Microbus, its floor pan with the Type 1 Karmann Ghia, and its concept with

Accordingly, when did Volkswagen stop making the thing?

Things were made from 1968 thru 1979. The last official year model was 1980. They were imported into the United States from 1973-1974.

Also Know, was the Volkswagen Thing amphibious? Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. The VW Type 128 and 166 Schwimmwagen (literally Swimming Car) were amphibious four-wheel drive off-roaders, used extensively by German ground forces during the Second World War. The Type 166 is the most numerous mass-produced amphibious car in history.

Also to know is, what car company made the thing?

Volkswagen Thing's

What is a kubelwagen?

Kübelwagen is a contraction of Kübelsitzwagen, meaning 'bucket-seat car' because all German light military vehicles that had no doors were fitted with bucket seats to prevent passengers from falling out.

Can the Volkswagen thing float?

If you have you ever asked yourself “do Beetles float?”, the answer is yes: the original Volkswagen Beetle would indeed float on water. The original Volkswagen Beetle was essentially a unibody car built on a floor pan, with very few openings and well sealed doors.

How much is a 1973 Volkswagen Thing Worth?

The car retailed when new for an MSRP well into the $80k range, but it's being offered on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Fort Worth, Texas, for just $13,900.

Will VW bring back the thing?

Volkswagen considering a return of the Thing. The future of Volkswagen may look very much like its past. After confirming plans to launch an electric minivan designed to look like a modern version of the classic VW Microbus, the company's CEO says he's also thinking of bringing back the Thing.

How did the VW Thing get its name?

The Volkswagen Thing (Type 181 & 182) was created from a hodge-podge of Beetle, Bus and even Ghia parts, proving that it was aptly named as the “Thing.” Learn the history of this multi-purpose vehicle, from military use to joy rides. You may be surprised by the history of this versatile Volkswagen!

How much does a VW thing cost?

In 1973, the Thing cost $3150, almost as much as many sports cars and nearly $1000 more than the '73 Beetle.

How much does a VW thing weigh?

910 kg

What is the ugliest car of all time?

The Aztek was the clear winner as picked by readers.
  1. Pontiac Aztek. The Aztek's ugliness titles are both numerous and unfortunate.
  2. Citroën Ami.
  3. AMC Pacer.
  4. AMC Gremlin.
  5. Fiat Multipla.
  6. Nissan Cube.
  7. Lamborghini Veneno.
  8. Suzuki X-90.

What is the prettiest car in the world?

Here are the 10 definitive most beautiful cars of all time.
  • FERRARI 275 GTB/4 COUPE.
  • ALFA ROMEO 33 STRADALE.
  • PORSCHE 356 SPEEDSTER.
  • BUGATTI TYPE 57SC ATLANTIC.
  • FERRARI 250 TESTA ROSSA.
  • JAGUAR E-TYPE.
  • ASTON MARTIN DB5.
  • MERCEDES 300SL GULLWING.

What is the ugliest car?

Are these the 10 ugliest cars ever made?
  1. 1 Fiat Multipla.
  2. 2 Volkswagen Type 181 (aka Trekker / Thing)
  3. 3 Nissan Cube.
  4. 4 Cadillac Seville.
  5. 5 Sbarro Autobau concept.
  6. 6 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
  7. 7 Aston Martin Lagonda.
  8. 8 Nissan Cargo.

What is the most dangerous car?

The Mirage is the most dangerous car to drive in the U.S., according to a recent study by automotive research firm and car search engine iSeeCars.com. The Chevrolet Corvette and the Honda Fit round out the top three cars with the most frequent occupant fatalities.

What is the ugliest car in America?

List of the Ugliest Cars Ever from the US:
  • AMC Eagle Wagon (1979-88)
  • Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible (2005-2010)
  • Pontiac Aztek (2001-05)
  • Mercury Zephyr (1978-83)
  • AMC Gremlin (1970-78)
  • Pontiac Trans Sport (1990-99)
  • Oldsmobile Calais (1985-86)
  • AMC Pacer (1975-80)

What is the slowest car in the world?

The slowest car in the world is the Peel P50, manufactured by Peel Engineering. It's so slow that it has become a part of the history. Holding the Guinness World Records for the smallest car that has been ever made, it also crowns the title of being the slowest. It's also the smallest car in the world.

What are the ugliest cars in the world?

Are these the 10 ugliest cars ever made?
  • 1 Fiat Multipla.
  • 2 Volkswagen Type 181 (aka Trekker / Thing)
  • 3 Nissan Cube.
  • 4 Cadillac Seville.
  • 5 Sbarro Autobau concept.
  • 6 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
  • 7 Aston Martin Lagonda.
  • 8 Nissan Cargo.

Is AMC still in business?

The Spirit Is Still Alive: American Motors Corporation 1954-1987. Through its 34-year existence, AMC created some of the most memorable, inspirational, and exciting cars the world has ever seen. American Motors was formed in 1954 from the merger of Hudson Motors and Nash-Kelvinator.

Is the Pontiac Aztek the ugliest car?

Here's a take that's so hot you can barely touch it: The Pontiac Aztek is no longer the ugliest car on the road. I know, I know. It's been lambasted ever since it came out as the ugliest car ever made. It was ungainly, overstyled and, as a result, it was a substantial flop.

Are VW things 4 wheel drive?

The Volkswagen Type 181 is a two-wheel drive, four-door, convertible, manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen from 1968 to 1983.

Can Volkswagen Beetles float?

If you have you ever asked yourself “do Beetles float?”, the answer is yes: the original Volkswagen Beetle would indeed float on water. The original Volkswagen Beetle was essentially a unibody car built on a floor pan, with very few openings and well sealed doors.

Who made the thing?

The Thing is a 1982 American science fiction horror film directed by John Carpenter and written by Bill Lancaster.

How many VW things were made?

Volkswagen 181
Volkswagen Type 181/182
Also calledVolkswagen Type 181 (LHD) Volkswagen Type 182 (RHD) Sold as: Volkswagen Thing (United States) Volkswagen Camat (Indonesia) Volkswagen Safari (Mexico) Volkswagen Trekker (UK)
Production1968–83 (1971 for civilian use) 90,883 built (70,519 in West Germany, 20,364 in Mexico)

Did Volkswagen make tanks?

Designed by Ferdinand Porsche for the bad guys during World War II, the Volkswagen Kubelwagen Type 823 was a variant of a VW Beetle masquerading as a tank. It was a German dummy tank. Today, it's an ultra rare German dummy tank, and one so happens to be on sale right now.

What did VW make during ww2?

Volkswagen Kübelwagen. listen (help·info)) (a back-formation as literally, 'tub' car), was a light military vehicle designed by Ferdinand Porsche and built by Volkswagen during World War II for use by the German military (both Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS).

What did Volkswagen do in ww2?

Volkswagen halts production during World War II. On this day in 1944, under the threat of Allied bombing during World War II, the German car manufacturer Volkswagen halts production of the “Beetle,” as its small, insect-shaped automobile was dubbed in the international press.