Porsche Type 181: The Off-Roader Built for America (Video)

What you see here isn’t just a ‘Volkswagen thing’ with Porsche decals. It’s called the Porsche Type 181, and it’s very real.

It’s safe to say that everyone is aware of the Volkswagen Type 181. Or as we Americans call it, the “Thing.” The two-wheel drive, four-door convertible was originally developed for the West German army. But it was also sold to the public from 1968-1983. While that much serves as common knowledge, what you might not know is that there is also a Porsche Type 181, and its story is just as fascinating as the car itself.

Unlike today, the ’70s were a time when Porsche and Volkswagen were very much involved with each other in terms of marketing. They even shared dealerships. The 914 is a perfect example of this partnership, as it was originally intended to be a VW model. But once they realized exchange rates would make it as expensive in America as a 911, on went the Porsche badge.

And make no mistake, Porsche brass were “obsessed with the idea of creating vehicles for the Americans” back then, as a former marketing intern discusses in this video from Der Faszination. Combine that passion with American’s passion for off-roading at the time, and a Porsche Type 181 made total sense.

Porsche built five Type 181s before the project ended. One of those examples actually made it to America and is the only one of the original five known to still exist.

So, they took a Volkswagen Type 181 and reworked the suspension, threw in a fancy gauge package, and installed a 914 engine and 5-speed transmission in it.  But after Porsche told American dealers what they were doing, they promptly rejected the idea. The car that Germany built for America, as it turns out, wasn’t what America wanted.

Porsche built five Type 181s before the project ended, however. One of those examples, the one you see in the video, actually made it to American soil. Turns out, the owner of an Auburn Valley, Nevada, dealership demanded Porsche send him one after they buried the idea. Today, it’s the only one of the original five known to still exist.

Fast forward to today and Porsche builds and sells an incredible number of sport utility vehicles. But while the sight of a Cayenne or Macan might be common today, that wasn’t always the case.

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.
He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.