The Legend of the VW 181: An Off-road Exploration Across the USA
- approx 5 min read
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Get ready to embark on a rollercoaster ride through the heartlands of America in this classic, not-so-beautiful but uniquely practical vehicle. Known as "The Thing", the VW 181 is a four-wheel charmer that's been winning hearts in the Southern states ever since its introduction.
A Tale of the Beetle's Offspring
Codenamed the VW 181, this rugged car remains an unknown name in the USA. However, it has acquired its 70s nickname with ease - "The Thing" - fitting for a car that looks more like a utility vehicle than a modern-day automobile.
The military roots of "The Thing" run deep. Originally developed as a replacement for the DKW Munga, the VW 181 vaguely resembled the WWII Kübelwagen, earning it the same name from fans and aficionados. Despite its humble beginnings, it was eventually replaced by the Mercedes G-Class in the late 70s. But its legacy lives on, especially in the Southern states, where adventurers still cherish the compact utility vehicle.
A Road Trip to Remember
Embarking on a tour from Charlotte, North Carolina, our vintage yellow Thing puts on a show as soon as it rolls off the tarmac. The police officers on duty can't help but give a thumbs-up, and aging hippies have been known to reminisce about their former rides. But this car isn't just a time traveler - it's a time machine. Its boxy design, ground clearance, and modest four-cylinder engine make it the ultimate off-roader for uncharted roads.
Setting its top to cruise mode, we take in the stunning landscapes of forests, lakes, and towering mountains through small country roads. And as we trundle along at around 60 miles per hour, we marvel at the comfort this vehicle offers, despite its humble acceleration.
A Symphony of Sounds and Scents
The journey takes us from the beautiful forests of North Carolina to the bustling Music City of Memphis, Tennessee, where we catch a glimpse of Elvis Presley's legacy. Crossing Oklahoma and Texas, we stop at barbecue joints for a taste of the local cuisine, savouring the flavours of Kibb's Bar-B-Que along the way.
As we travel deeper south, our classic car has now become a beacon of nostalgia. Older car enthusiasts couldn't help but approach the yellow "Thing," reminiscing about their own classic rides and sharing stories of their adventures.
A Road Less Travelled
Our Thing moves like a true explorer, taking us off the beaten path and down the tiniest country roads. We navigate Indian reservations and military bases in the heart of the Southern states, driven by the insatiable curiosity of a bygone era. The VW Thing, with its tinkling engine and rumbling exhaust, has become our faithful companion on this journey.
The Final Stretch
We bid farewell to the Southern states and head westward, towards the great expanse of the Colorado River and the California border. The landscape transforms as we traverse the vast deserts of Arizona, passing by the famous Joshua Tree National Park and Twentynine Palms. Finally, we arrive in the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, our Thing a stark contrast to the sleek supercars that populate the streets.
With over 2800 miles behind us, and a small number of fellow VW Thing enthusiasts we've met along the way, we can't help but feel a sense of camaraderie and awe for this unique car. It's tough to find a more likable vehicle in the USA than the VW 181, which, beyond its military purpose, has become a cultural icon, appealing to surfers in Malibu as much as the forever young car enthusiasts in the Southern states.
- VW
- Sandra Bullock
- I'm not going to tell you about Sandra Bullock's love for the VW 181, but it's worth mentioning that the automotive industry has a significant influence on lifestyle choices, and her preference for this rugged car highlights its appeal beyond its military origins.
- The financial implications of maintaining and restoring a vintage vehicle like the VW 181 can be challenging, yet within the transportation sector, these classic cars often serve as investments for some enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of experience and financial rewards.
- During our road trip, we discovered that travel experiences in the VW 181 are unlike any other, with its boxy design and off-road capabilities providing a sense of adventure and exploration that resonates with the romance of America's early industrial era.
