A modified Volkswagen 181 with rotary engine was just what you needed for your vacation.
Trekker in the UK, Kurierwagen in Germany, Volkswagen Safari in Mexico and even “The Thing” in the US. That's how the Volkswagen Type 181 was known all over the world, a model launched at the end of the 60s and that made the difference for being light (995kg), compact (3.78m long and 1.64m wide) and for integrating an all-wheel drive system.But of the specimens that have survived to this day, none stands out like this. Toy Barn Cars, a company based in the USA dedicated to the purchase and sale of used vehicles, has put up for sale a 1973 copy that, in addition to being in excellent condition, has something that makes it truly special.
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Instead of the “old” four-cylinder engine, the Volkswagen 181 is powered by a Mazda 13B turbo rotary engine from, it seems, a second-generation RX-7. Despite already having a little more than 43,000 kilometers "on his legs", everything works perfectly, according to Toy Barn Cars. "The "The Thing" goes exactly as you would expect from a highly customized rotary engine model."
In addition to the engine – which forced some mechanical modifications – minor changes were made to the bodywork, while the interior remains minimalist and utilitarian. The Volkswagen 181 is on sale on eBay for $23,897, about 21,380 euros.
