1980 Volkswagen Thing

Convertible

1.7 I-4 VW water cooled

Manual

B101098587587

Clear

Gasoline

An excellent example of a rare vehicle-- the 'next generation VW Thing'. A little history: the Iltis was designed and built in 1978-80 by VW Audi Porsche for the German military. It is the 1.7 VW liquid cooled engine in front w/ a 4 speed manual transmission. The running gear is the Audi early ur quattro, that later was used in the Audi 4000 quattro that became racing history. It is two wheel drive, with levers to engage four wheel drive-- and then to lock differentials if you need to. For the testing ground, Audi VW entered three in the second running of the famous Paris to Dakar 10,000 kilometer rally. Very minor changes were made: head 'shaved' to increase compression and up the hp, and heavy duty skid plates added. There were no "class" entries-- a pure race to the finish. The three VW Iltis cars finished 1-2 and 4. In 1985, Audi VW licensed Bombardier in Canada the rights to build a couple thousand only, for the Canadian (and a couple other countries) military use only. This Iltis has just over 20k original miles, verified by its service plaque under the hood. This was a radio rig, and was kept and maintained at a level that few were. It has done its military time, and now its a civilian! It was owned and garaged by a military collector and enthusiast for about 7-8 years, and serviced at a real VW dealership. Brand new custom top, that is full cover, safari style w/ doors off, or completely removed. Excellent paint and tires, front glass and good original upholstery. No rust and no bondo repairs-- it was left w/ its marks and little dents etc-- and shows its age with dignity. Part civilized and part brute. Easy to drive, ordinary components-- take it on a rally, into the mud or drive it to shows. Clear Oregon title in my name, with Oregon Special Interest license plate.