Volkswagen Type 181 “Kurierwagen”
Highlights
Data & Facts
This Automobile
Model History
The VW Type 181 ‘Kurierwagen’ was initially produced from 1968 as a military off-road vehicle exclusively for the Bundeswehr. The vehicle was produced until 1980 and was sold not only to the Bundeswehr but later also to other authorities and private individuals. At its presentation at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main in September 1969, the VW 181 proved to be a military vehicle in the style of the previous ‘Kübelwagen’, only slightly more modern, but larger and heavier.
The body was bolted to a central tube platform frame (a platform of the Karmann Ghia Type 14 that had been modified in various aspects). The side rails (sills) of the co-supporting body provided the necessary torsional rigidity. For other components, existing and robustly manageable technology was utilised. The air-cooled 1.5-litre boxer engine with 44 hp (32 kW), clutch, instruments, steering and the 40-litre tank were taken from the VW Beetle 1500.
The gearbox and the rear axle with wheel reduction gear came, slightly modified, from the first VW Transporter, which was discontinued in 1967. Four drum brakes ensured sufficient deceleration. Later, the engine had a displacement of 1.6 litres and produced 48 hp.
The passengers were protected from the weather by an unlined all-weather canopy with a water-repellent PVC cover and so-called insertable panes made of polyglass. The front ones could be folded forwards and locked in place with two press studs. The interior was heated exclusively by a petrol-powered oscillating fire heater (parking heater), which was located under the bonnet at the front with the spare wheel. The two-stage adjustable front seats were upholstered in hard-wearing imitation leather. The rear seat bench could be folded down completely or split, creating additional loading space. In the period from 1968 to 1980 Volkswagen produced 140,768 units.
This Automobile
Model History
The VW Type 181 ‘Kurierwagen’ was initially produced from 1968 as a military off-road vehicle exclusively for the Bundeswehr. The vehicle was produced until 1980 and was sold not only to the Bundeswehr but later also to other authorities and private individuals. At its presentation at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main in September 1969, the VW 181 proved to be a military vehicle in the style of the previous ‘Kübelwagen’, only slightly more modern, but larger and heavier.
The body was bolted to a central tube platform frame (a platform of the Karmann Ghia Type 14 that had been modified in various aspects). The side rails (sills) of the co-supporting body provided the necessary torsional rigidity. For other components, existing and robustly manageable technology was utilised. The air-cooled 1.5-litre boxer engine with 44 hp (32 kW), clutch, instruments, steering and the 40-litre tank were taken from the VW Beetle 1500. The gearbox and the rear axle with wheel reduction gear came, slightly modified, from the first VW Transporter, which was discontinued in 1967. Four drum brakes ensured sufficient deceleration. Later, the engine had a displacement of 1.6 litres and produced 48 hp.
The passengers were protected from the weather by an unlined all-weather canopy with a water-repellent PVC cover and so-called insertable panes made of polyglass. The front ones could be folded forwards and locked in place with two press studs. The interior was heated exclusively by a petrol-powered oscillating fire heater (parking heater), which was located under the bonnet at the front with the spare wheel. The two-stage adjustable front seats were upholstered in hard-wearing imitation leather. The rear seat bench could be folded down completely or split, creating additional loading space. In the period from 1968 to 1980 Volkswagen produced 140,768 units.