1974 Volkswagen Type 181 The Thing

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The Volkswagen Type 181, which was fondly referred to as the "The Thing" in the US market, was initially designed as a low-cost and sturdy quarter-ton Jeep equivalent for the German military. However, Volkswagen witnessed a growing demand from the public for a vehicle that could go anywhere, and thus, a civilian version of the car was introduced. This new vehicle was aimed at competing against the likes of the Citroën Méhari and the Fiat Jolly, as it promised a fun-filled driving experience at the beach or in the mountains. The vehicle utilized a modified Karmann Ghia Chassis and Beetle drivetrain, which meant that access to the vast Volkswagen dealership network for convenient servicing was always within reach.

This lot is offered Without Reserve from The Roger Boman Collection, which comprises 27 vehicles ranging from European to American classics. Many examples within the collection feature Mr. Boman’s standard modification “formula,” including but not limited to the addition of disc brakes, air conditioning, modern fuel injection, and many other custom touches seen by countless enthusiasts around the Fresno, California area who shared the late owner’s passion for this unique assortment of automobiles.

Highlights 

• Offered from The Roger Boman Collection 

• Finished in yellow with a black and yellow liveried interior 

• Powered by a 1.6-liter flat-four engine with Empi carburetors 

• Porsche 911-style engine cooling fan setup 

• Equipped with a four-speed manual transmission 

• Black folding soft top  

• 17-inch chrome Fuchs style wheels with Porsche center caps 

• Wood rimmed Empi GT steering wheel 

• Please note that while the odometer displays just over 1,200 miles at the time of listing, the true mileage is unknown 

Features 

• Independent front and rear suspension 

• Floor shift gear selector 

• Glove box courtesy light 

• Full-size spare tire 

• Defroster 

• Front bucket seats 

• Heater 

• Electric windshield wipers 

• Folding rear seat 

• 11.1-gallon fuel tank 

• Flat folding windshield 

• Chrome bumpers 

• Dual chrome side view mirrors 

• Auxiliary driving lights 

Known Imperfections 

• This Volkswagen Thing is offered as an older but well-preserved restoration with no known imperfections at the time of cataloging 

Ownership History

This 1974 Volkswagen Type 181 The Thing entered The Roger Boman Collection before 2015 and is believed to have been restored shortly after.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.

Contact: Blake Wingrove Phone: 616.822.8589 email: bwingrove@hagerty.com

Please note that the title is currently in transit for this vehicle