What if the Thing was rereleased?

[CraigInPA]

I don't think we'll ever see a lightweight, mechanically simple, door-removable, windscreen-foldable, top-removable, no-roll-bar, no-three-point-safety-belts, bare bones vehicle introduced into the US market unless it's an LSV/NEV. The safety bureaucrats have spoken and cars have to be safe now. Safety adds weight and complexity. By the time VW would meet all the safety hurdles, the replacement Thing would be the size and weight of a Jeep.

There's a market outside the US, but it's unlikely that VW will ever go after it, because even then, it's pretty small with a lot of competition already in place.

It's a shame, I would have liked to see a successor to the 183 Iltis that had metal removable doors with roll-up windows.

But, back to the LSV/NEV, I do think there's a marketplace for one of these with the ugly cuteness and versitility of the Thing. In fact, if there was one, I'd probably buy it.

Craig

[sixty9fasty]

[NOVA Airhead]

Remember The Thing was an existing military vehicle that VW was already producing. It took little in additional investment to commercialize it. This also was done by circumventing safety rules - a loophole that quickly closed.

I doubt the volumes would be there to justify ground-up development. It would have to be a vehicle that could be esily extended off of an existing platform without cannabilizing the sales of the "host" platform.

I think it would be a longshot to see a new Thing. A retro car works by having a strong connection to the original. If VW did surprise everyone and produce a new Thing I cannot see them using the name again which would mean the connection would be lost to the original.
_________________
Ghia Owner Emeritus

[Lettuce]

just needs to be a four door convertible..

[rovnrev]

my $.02. retro is in, but it probably only has about 10 years maybe 20 left in the automotive industry. the mustang was a hit but its already diverging from its retro styling, the mini was a huge hit, the new beetle (girl car with flower vase aside) was a pretty good hit. VW probably squandered the first gen new beetle with pastel colors and girlishness and the GTI only had retro plaid inside. VW is still a less reliable japanese car that is trying to take on Audi and BMW with crap like the CC and Phaton isntead of hitting the retro trend with affordable yet enjoyable driving cars.

but on the other hand lets look at failed retros. the camaro is an ugly turd, the GTO was an aussie car with a badge, the charger is an ugly turd, the T-bird from a few years back was a limp d*ck, Jeep is self destructing itself (TJ with round headlights was spot on) the JK is an oversized/underpowered/lame mini hummer, the HHR wtf was that?, FJ cruiser is cool/capable but its way way overpriced and packed with driver hindering electronics, umm fiat 500 no one cared about then or now.

might as well mention ford GT and mercedes sls but no one here can afford one unless its a poster to hang over your bed to diddle yourself to at night.

my point is retro is a big big gamble after you factor in modern safety, fuel economy, and all the tards that are the mass market automakers have to play to. what made all these vehicles cool was the originality of their designs when they were new and fresh on the market.
_________________
VW Fact #422: #1 on the 1965 VW dealer service checklist was "Avoid answering complaints with an off-hand: 'All VWs have that trouble". It's not true, and besides, small consolation to the owner."

[Joe 20]

That's so ugly it's...ugly!

[Semper_Dad]

[joescoolcustoms]

[wes.outside]

Maybe this IS the new Thing...

http://www.mobiusmotors.com/prototype/
_________________
'73 Thing
'86 Vanagon Syncro with Westfalia Poptop

[Ferretkona]

[doublecanister]

[GI Joe]

[Van-go108]

Notice the "Earmuffed" hood. Lots of work and, hell, I may have to say it, I would "roll it" but, with a few alterations. It's amazing to me the trouble some will go through to be creative, sometimes actually successfully.
_________________
"Okay, so there's 6 beers and 5 of us. You know what this means don't you? 4 of you are going to have to leave."


1973 Thing
1957 Continental Mark II Click to view image

[Semper_Dad]

OMG,... a premature Hummer!
_________________
Walküre Restoration Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=737492

[Van-go108]

Poor little Thing. http://www.azsolo.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7592
_________________
"Okay, so there's 6 beers and 5 of us. You know what this means don't you? 4 of you are going to have to leave."


1973 Thing
1957 Continental Mark II Click to view image

[Van-go108]

Bravo

Now lose some of that pointy snout.
_________________
"Okay, so there's 6 beers and 5 of us. You know what this means don't you? 4 of you are going to have to leave."


1973 Thing
1957 Continental Mark II Click to view image

[Lettuce]

not sure what to think of that one. Its ugly, but not in a good way. Here it is with some flaws corrected.

[Semper_Dad]

[Doc*181]

[Semper_Dad]