<P> The Volkswagen Type 181 is a two - wheel drive , four - door , convertible , manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen from 1968 to 1983 . Originally developed for the West German Army , the Type 181 was also sold to the public , as the Kurierwagen in West Germany , the Trekker ( RHD Type 182 ) in the United Kingdom , the Thing in the United States ( 1973 -- 74 ) , the Safari in Mexico and South America , and Pescaccia in Italy . Civilian sales ended after model year 1980 . </P>
<P> The Volkswagen Type 181 is a two - wheel drive , four - door , convertible , manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen from 1968 to 1983 . Originally developed for the West German Army , the Type 181 was also sold to the public , as the Kurierwagen in West Germany , the Trekker ( RHD Type 182 ) in the United Kingdom , the Thing in the United States ( 1973 -- 74 ) , the Safari in Mexico and South America , and Pescaccia in Italy . Civilian sales ended after model year 1980 . </P>
what years did they make the volkswagen thing
what years did they make the volkswagen thing
1973 -- 74
1973 -- 74