Quirk Database1960sGermanyTruck that shouldn't exist
Volkswagen Thing (Type 181)
The Volkswagen Thing (Type 181) is a four-door utility convertible made by Volkswagen in Germany from 1968 to 1983. Its weirdest quirk: All four doors lift off and are interchangeable, and the windscreen folds flat.
A military-style utility car built from Beetle and Microbus parts, sold to civilians as the Thing in the US and as the Trekker, Safari or Kurierwagen elsewhere.
Quick facts
- Maker: Volkswagen
- Years: 1968–1983
- Country of origin: Germany
- Body type: Four-door utility convertible
- Engine: 1.5 or 1.6-litre air-cooled flat-four, rear-mounted
- Weirdest quirk: All four doors lift off and are interchangeable, and the windscreen folds flat.
- Sold prices logged: 2 (latest: $20,500 at Bring a Trailer, Oct 29, 2026)
Sold prices
| Date | Venue | Car | Price | Mileage | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bring a Trailer | 1974 Volkswagen Thing | $20,500 | 12k mi shown | Result for 1974 Volkswagen Thing at Bring a Trailer ↗ | |
| Bring a Trailer | 1974 Volkswagen Thing | $13,000 | 46k mi shown | Result for 1974 Volkswagen Thing at Bring a Trailer ↗ |
Prices as published by each auction site, in the currency the car sold in. "TMU" means total mileage unknown.
Fact-check pit lane
Specs, dates and production figures on this page were checked against:
- Wikipedia: Volkswagen Type 181
- Sold prices: each auction result linked in the table above