Wheeler Dealers

Season 12, Episode 7

Episode Title: VW 181 Thing

Air Date: 2015-05-04

Overview:

The Volkswagen Thing was the result of the German Army’s late 60’s requirement for a lightweight military vehicle. VW came up with a utilitarian convertible looking like an upturned bath on wheels, but optimistic marketing men realised they could sell it to the general public, as a fun, four-seat beach buggy. Sadly, most of them rusted away, so it’s hard to find one that’s solid and original today. Mike manages to pry one away from the hands of a collector – but forced to dig deep for the purchase – there isn’t much left in the kitty for Edd to deal with an engine that keeps stalling, lethal brakes and an uninviting interior with no heater and torturous seats. Can they flip this Thing around?