Description[]
The Volkswagen Type 181 "Kurierwagen" (German for "Messenger Car"), popularly known in the United Kingdom as the Trekker (Type 182 in all right-hand drive markets), in the United States as the Thing, and in Mexico as the Safari, was a small military vehicle produced by Volkswagen from 1969 to 1983, although civilian sales stopped in 1980. It was based in part on Volkswagen's Beetle Type I, and was a continuation and improvement over the Kübelwagen, which had been used by the German military during World War II. Like the Beetle upon which it was based, the Volkswagen Type 181 it is rear-engined with an air-cooled engine.
In 2016, the tooling for the Type 181 was changed while the Volkswagen 5-Pack was being produced. In the middle of the production run, the Type 181's bumpers were made to be part of the base; due to that, it is possible to find two variants of the pack, where the Type 181 has either metal or plastic bumpers.
Versions[]
The Volkswagen Type 181 has come out in the following 1/64 scale versions:
| Col # | Year | Series | Body Color | Top Color' | Tampo | Base Color / Type |
Window Color | Interior Color | Wheel Type | Toy # | Country | Notes | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 017/190 | 2009 | 2009 New Models 17/42 |
Satin Tan | Black | Orange, Red and Silver taillights, Silver headlights, and logo on hood | Chrome / Plastic |
Clear | Black | OH5 | N4020 | Malaysia | Also released on Target exclusive snowflake card Base Code(s): A48, A49, A50, B02, B03 |
|
| 017/190 | 2009 | 2009 New Models 17/42 |
Orange | Tan | Orange, Red and Silver taillights, Silver headlights, and logo on hood | Chrome / Plastic |
Clear | Black | OH5 | N4020 | Malaysia | Base Code(s): B10, B11, B12, B14 | 
|
| 017/190 | 2009 | 2009 New Models 17/42 |
Blue | Black | Orange, Red and Silver taillights, Silver headlights, and logo on hood | Chrome / Plastic |
Clear | Grey | OH5 | N4020 | Malaysia | Base Code(s): B35, B36, B37 | 
|
| 5SP | Base Code(s): B38, B43 | 
| |||||||||||
| Tinted (Pink) | Pink window variation Base Code(s): B41, B43 |
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| 150/244 | 2011 | Faster Than Ever 10/10 |
Satin Antifreeze | Black | Greenish Gold w/ Black stripes, Detailed headlights and logo | Grey / Plastic |
Tinted | Black | FTE | T9857 | Malaysia | Target card release includes 2 Car Bands Base Code(s): D04, D05, D06, D07, D09, D10, D11, D13, D14, D21 |
|
| 150/244 | 2011 | Faster Than Ever 10/10 |
Metalflake Copper | Black | White w/ Black stripes, Detailed headlights and logo | Grey / Plastic |
Tinted | Black | FTE2 | V5211 | Malaysia | Base Code(s): D30, D34, D36, D37, D40, D42, D48 | 
|
| 2012 | Team Hot Wheels Top Rides: Green Driver Picks | TRAP5 | Y3736 | Malaysia | Base Code(s): card code/date: 0042N, 0062N, 0092N | 
| |||||||
| 2012 | Hot Wheels Boulevard: Underdogs | Flat Olive | Tan | few Detail; cross on sides; SKU from first and Boulevard release on front Bumper | ZAMAC | Clear | Green | Chrome Rim OliveDDRR | W4644 | Malaysia | Base Code(s): E11, E13, E14 | 
| |
| 2016 | Volkswagen 5-Pack | Red | Black | Black detailing and Hot Wheels logo on sides | Grey / Plastic |
Clear | Black | Chrome rim, Black MC5 | DJD20 | Thailand | Base code(s): H50, J02 | 
| |
| Updated tooling Base code(s): J08, J13, J23 |
|
2009 card[]
From the back of the 2009 card:
Born: 1972
Birthplace: Wolfsburg, Germany
Designer: Volkswagen Group
Specialty: With an exposed rear engine and rounded headlights, this "Thing" was made for every "type" of utility work.
Gallery[]
