Scouring America in a Vintage Yellow Beast: A Fairy Tale Journey in the VW 181
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Volkswagen Type 181 Journey Across U.S.A.'s East to West Coast in a Matter of Four Days Using a 'Kübelwagen' - Cross-Country Voyage by Prestigious Truck Through United States in Record-breaking Four Days
The VW 181, infamously dubbed as "The Thing" in the U.S., is a peculiar contraption seldom recognized under its formal title in our beautiful nation. Its distinctive, boxy shape recalls the Kübelwagen of yesteryears, and its vibrant yellow paint job sets it apart, making us wonder - what's the story behind this oddity?
Originated to serve the German army, the VW 181 emerged due to circumstances. Born as a low-cost, rugged off-roading vehicle for the military, disaster relief, and fire departments, it carried on the legacy of the DKW Munga, replacing it when production ceased at the end of the 1960s. Alas, the project for a joint off-road vehicle among major European nations failed, yet here we have the VW 181, a tidbit reminiscent of the old Kübelwagen that many still refer to it by that name today.
The VW 181, unfortunately, did not manage to gain widespread popularity and was phased out prematurely in favor of the Mercedes G-Class. However, it found a niche market during its production in Mexico as the VW Safari between the years 1970 to the early 1980s, intended for the adventurous American folk.
Venturing Across the Heartland
Embark on a southerly journey that exudes warmth and nostalgia, with the first destination being Charlotte, North Carolina. From here, we traverse the Pisgah National Forest and Knoxville, TN, meandering our way towards the West. It's not just the lush green landscapes and undulating hills that guide us on the little-known country roads; the VW 181 is not cut out for high speeds. A comfortable cruising pace of around 50 to 60 miles per hour feels more fitting for this peculiar vehicle.
The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine breathes a sigh of relief at these velocities, while drivers may enjoy the sound of the engine that doesn't strain under the pressure of higher RPMs. The journey through the mountains is leisurely, with the 33 kW / 44 PS and 98 Nm torque ensuring a thorough and unhurried ascent and descent.
As the VW 181 rolls through towns like Sparta or Alexandria, its unmistakable shape serves as a conversations starter, with locals recalling their memories of similar yellow vehicles. And let's not forget about the beloved cafes, like the iconic "Southern Creamery," where fans of vintage cars flock for a taste of nostalgia. Police officers offer encouraging waves and smiles, knowing full well that The Thing is not capable of exploits worthy of a speeding ticket.
Southern Serenades, Memories of the Music King
Next on the agenda is a visit to Memphis, TN, the renowned Music City. A pilgrimage to pay homage to the King of Rock 'n' Roll is a must, with Elvis Presley's Graceland villa and the impressive automobile collection preserving his legacy. Though time has left its mark on the villa and the assortment of vehicles, the allure remains intact. That is, for most visitors.
The historic roads leading to Oklahoma City and Dallas metro area have German nameplates etched into them, serving as a reminder of the settlement of German immigrants in these regions during the mid-19th century. An appetizing stop at the "Kibb's Bar-B-Que" in a small town celebrating its German heritage adds to the nostalgic journey.
A Spartan Adventure through Space and Time
The sparse seating accommodations of the VW 181 and its cool temperatures create an atmosphere not unlike a spaceship voyaging through an unknown cosmos. The short, artificial leather seats can be moved slightly, and the heater, though faulty, is the vehicle's only source of warmth. The roof remains closed for most of the journey, adding to the sensation of traveling through time and space.
Steakhouses in charming, quaint towns dot the landscape, offering mouthwatering fare to weary travelers. At the "Big Texan" in Amarillo, live country music brings a touch of holiday cheer to the cold winter air. The rhythmic melodies remind us of a simpler time as we delve deeper into a world defined by small-town living, absorption in nature, and a journey through history.
Pioneering Through a Desert Oasis
Countless miles of winding roads, scarce gas stations, and Indian reservations interspersed with military bases make for an unforgettable trip. Rain and darkness make the journey all the more exciting as the VW 181 lumbers its way through the landscapes, creating thoughts of a true pioneering spirit.
The high altitudes bring chilly weather, calling for winter jackets, gloves, and hats to provide warmth even while inside the vehicle. An enchanting stop in the wee hours in Socorro, New Mexico, reveals the "Very Large Array" - a satellite facility composed of 28 radio telescopes, each 25 meters in diameter. These telescopes can be moved on rail tracks to listen to the universe in isolation.
The Final Frontier: California Dreaming
As the sun rises, the museum opens its doors, inviting guests to explore the awe-inspiring technology and marvel at humanity's dreams of reaching beyond the stars. The journey continues westward, past the Apache National Forest and the Sitgreaves Forest, where temperatures grow more pleasant, and the landscapes transform into vast plains and desert expanses.
With the elevation plummeting towards Phoenix, the roof of the VW 181 can finally be folded back, letting the warm desert sun envelop the passengers. The final stretch through arid plains, Joshua Tree National Park, and Twentynine Palms leads us to the bustling metropolis of the Los Angeles area.
And thus, we complete our thrilling journey across the U.S., covering over 2800 miles in just 4.5 days through 11 enchanting states. Along the way, we discovered stunning landscapes, paid tribute to cultural legends, and reveled in the nostalgic charm of a bygone era. Nothing but the unmistakable, yellow VW 181 could have captured the essence of our wonderful country's spirit and taken us on such an extraordinary, time-traveling escapade.
- Interesting Fact: In the 1973 film "Westworld," Yul Brynner reprised his role as the malevolent android gunslinger, this time riding the VW 181!
- Did You Know: Though no longer available for sale, The VW 181 has a dedicated fanbase that adores the vehicle for its unique character and timeless design, just like the surfers of Malibu and the youthful car enthusiasts in the Southern states!
- I'm not going to tell you about the fascinating conversations that sparked with locals in the cafes, reminiscing about vintage cars, as the unique VW 181 rolled through small towns.
- As we ventured through Memphis, Tennessee, I'm not going to mention the awe we felt upon seeing Elvis Presley's Graceland villa and his impressive automobile collection, which reminded us of the King's enduring legacy.
- Although the VW 181 may not be capable of high speeds, I'm not going to forget the memorable moments of cruising through picturesque landscapes, listening to live country music in charming steakhouses, and feeling like we were piloting a spartan spaceship on our fairy tale journey across the United States.
