VW 181.

The second generation VW Kubelwagen (right); these 1900+ units were produced by VW in Germany under contract for the Bundeswehr. They were outfitted with the military package (option code M63) from 1969 to 1979. Standard features include Stationary petrol heater, black-out lights, low compression engine, skid plates, brush guards, first aid holder, 4 rifle holders, water-proof ignition and charging system, double shielded wires. There were civilan models made in Mexico and sold in the USA in 1973 and 1974, and some right hand drive models sold in England. The German Army used a most of these vehicles as Radio and scout cars, although some were assigned in almost every unit.
- Kubelken (9/'97)

and Brian Barrett-Park writes:

The "VW 181" civilian version (mentioned) was known (apparently officially) as the "VW Thing" here in Canada. I still see them occasionally, but there were never very many of them. Most seem to be in really bright colours, which was VW's style in the early '70's.

The more recent Iltis, although a Volkswagen design, was later produced by Canada's Bombardier (builders of the famous "Ski-Doo" snowmobile) and purchased in significant numbers by the Canadian Armed Forces. Training manoeuvres lead to convoys of dozens of military vehicles travelling the highway between the bases in Alberta, and there are always at least a dozen Iltis included in the convoys I see. [2/1998]

• loa 3.8m, width 1.64m, height 1.6m, track 1.35m, wheelbase 2.4m
• Engine: petrol, air-cooled, 4-cyl, horizontally opposed, 1.5L (later 1.6L)
• Transmission: 4m, 4x2

Go to the example, VW, Kubelwagen (WW-II) and Military Vehicles pages