My Volkswagen Type 181

and the 1997 Thing Fling and Bug in, Springfield IL, June 7, 1997

Here are some photos of the "THINGS" in attendance, including, of course, mine..

(Note: right click image to view in larger format)

There was a good turnout of THINGS, with more arriving through the day Saturday. The last one I saw arrive, came by wrecker. On the trip in from St. Louis, they experienced fuel pump problems. As soon as they arrived a swarm of Type 181 owners and mechanics converged to assist in the repair. What better place could there be to breakdown, then maybe Wolfsburg.

The line of THINGS in attendance was impressive. As I recall the show winner is the silver one just visible in the left picture. Also impressive was the extensive modification done to the sand colored one from Kentucky next to my orange one. The Kentucky car, as I recall, had a Porsche engine, the spare tire inset into the hood, suicide front doors, individual rear wheel brake controls, and a custom interior. Notice the "bug-eye" headlights. I should also mention the original, un-restored Acapulco from Effingham IL. The owner has both tops, running boards, striped interior etc. He purchased it in Florida and has no interest in selling it.

This is our 1974 Orange Thing. We purchased it last summer from a car dealer in Mahomet IL. The PO had it painted inside and out, and had installed a new top. I updated the engine with points, plugs, wires, etc. The car has 54000 miles on it and is a weekend driver. It is also set up to pull behind our motor home when we travel. For the record, that's me in the striped shirt and hat, looking at the camera.

These images are my "show" displays. You'll notice my collection of Hazet tools. This generated a lot of interest at the show. I really lucked into getting original and complete spare tire tool kit. I purchased the tool kit complete from a gentleman at an auction. He knew I drove VW and brought the tools with him to sell to me if I was interested. We made the deal very quickly as neither he nor I was   aware of their true value. The books and magazines displayed are about Volkswagens. I have collected them over the 28 years I have owned and driven VW's.

Some more close-ups of our car. For a stock 181, it doesn't look to bad and runs great. Alas only a third place trophy this time...but there is always the next year!

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Last Updated February, 1998 by Jim Nantz