The 1973 Volkswagen Type 181, commonly known as "The Thing," has been acquired for the Ron Sturgeon collection, representing a significant piece of automotive history with its military origins and distinctive design. Finished in brilliant orange, this vehicle combines the rugged foundation of Beetle and Karmann Ghia components with an unapologetically boxy silhouette that continues to capture imaginations decades after production ended.
The Type 181 traces its origins to a military utility vehicle developed for the German Army in the late 1960s. Civilian production followed, and by 1972, U.S. customers could purchase this open-top vehicle. Powered by Volkswagen's air-cooled 1,600cc flat-four engine and equipped with a four-speed manual transmission, the car delivers both charm and practical performance, capable of cruising above 60 mph for weekend drives and vacation escapes.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, noted the vehicle's unique appeal, stating, "Few cars have as much personality per square inch as the VW Thing. It's quirky, it's capable, and it's impossible not to smile when you see one drive by—especially in orange." The vehicle is displayed among more than 200 classic and collector vehicles at the museum, which is located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, Texas.
Civilian sales in the United States ended in 1974 due to evolving safety standards, though international production continued until 1983, with over 90,000 units produced in total. The acquisition matters because it preserves an important chapter in automotive design and military vehicle adaptation for civilian use. The Type 181 reflects the fun, freedom, and functionality that defined Volkswagen's most unconventional creation, offering insights into how utilitarian vehicles can achieve cultural icon status.
For automotive enthusiasts and historians, this addition to the collection provides an opportunity to study the engineering and design choices that made the vehicle both practical and charismatic. The museum, which features 150,000 square feet of exhibition space with free parking and admission, offers a comprehensive look at automotive history, making this vehicle accessible to the public and ensuring its legacy endures for future generations.
