5-door, feel-good convertible for families

Appreciatively known as the ‘Kübel’ (bucket) in German-speaking countries, but called disparagingly ‘The Thing’ in the United States, where it is nonetheless – paradoxically – loved by its loyal fans. Originally developed as an off-road utility vehicle and used almost exclusively by the Armed Forces from 1968, it experienced unexpected popularity from the end of the 80s as a hip fun-mobile for the urban youth and a convertible for the perennially non-conformist. After all, it was the breeziest and cheapest of all open-topped Volkswagens, rugged enough to do without inordinate care or even washing. Owners even wanted their 181s to display an expected degree of ageing. Laid-back Kübel buyers didn’t care, and the girls adorned the vehicles with colourfully crayoned flowers. So in its second life, the dispatcher acquired the coolness that Volkswagen doubtless would have hoped for at its presentation in 1969. A snobby attitude is entirely alien to the angular jeep. After all, who sports a mink stole at the beach?

Like most of its siblings, this 181 entered service with the federal army. After decommissioning, it was extensively refurbished and redesigned to incorporate a civvy street look. The off-white paint job gives it an innocent touch and removes any hint of its military past. The doors fit perfectly, which indicates a meticulous standard of repair. A very neat roof and the four slider windows complement the already extremely pretty overall impression. Only the fabric seats beneath the covers require some touching up. Summer is at the door, and this 5-door, feel-good convertible is the ideal companion to pack a guitar and head off for the lake with some good friends to relive old times round a campfire!

VIN: 1842818752 Milage: 47,505 km (read) Displacement: 1,584 ccm/B4 Gearbox: 4-speed Colour: light grey/black (fabric) Power: 50 hp Papers: Austrian certificate of conformity