FOR SALE VIA PUBLIC AUCTION
Sunday 27 June, 2.30pm

ASB Showgrounds, Auckland
All lots are subject to a buyer’s premium of 15%+GST

Further info available on our website.

Volkswagen's ‘Thing’ had its roots in a military project; it was loosely based on the World War II Kubelwagen. It was also proposed as a lightweight, four-wheel drive utility for several European armies. Although Volkswagen decided not to enter the competition for the ‘Europa Jeep’, company management felt that a fun vehicle in that formula could be popular in the consumer market. This was the genesis of the Type 181 Kurierwagen - known as ‘Trekker’ in the UK, ‘Safari’ in Mexico, and ‘The Thing’ in the United States.

Based on the mechanicals of the Type I Beetle, it used a Karmann Ghia floor pan with 1,500 and 1,600cc versions of the familiar air-cooled flat four engine. Transmissions were all VW's four-speed manual. Production began in 1969 in Germany, with early units delivered, ironically, to the German Army, as well as Dutch and Belgian forces. Civilian sales began in 1971, by which time Mexican production had started. Marketing in the US commenced in 1972, with more than 90,000 built through to 1983, though civilian sales halted in 1980. Difficulty in meeting safety standards resulted in its withdrawal from the United States market post 1974.

Expertly restored by Ron Flinclinger in Phoenix Arizona, to accompany his motorhome. It was then bought by a Kiwi and brought to our shores.

This Mexican-built ‘Thing’ is gorgeous in cream and was subject to a body off restoration, with the motor modified to 1916cc, producing 125 HP with twin carburettor upgrade allowing the Thing to travel at a comfortable speed and a lot more! The windscreen folds down and the doors unclip for that free spirt feeling and comes complete with spare set of keys.

With a substantial amount already spent on this ‘Thing’ it’s all ready for the beach!