Cross-Country Journey Across U.S.A. in a Turtle-Like Vehicle (VW 181) Completed in a Speedy Four Days

Cross-Country Journey Across America in a Jeep Within Four Days by 'VW 181' on U.S. Coast-to-Coast Drive - Cross-Country Journey Across U.S.A. in a Turtle-Like Vehicle (VW 181) Completed in a Speedy Four Days

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Cruisin' America in a Vintage VW: A Southern State Road Trip Adventure

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Hop in the driver's seat of a vintage Volkswagen 181—better known as "The Thing"—for an epic, four-day, coast-to-coast US road trip! This chunky compact utility vehicle, with its practical and nearly indestructible design, is sure to turn heads wherever you go.

From The 'Land of the Long Leaf Pines' to the Music City

Starting in Charlotte, North Carolina, this yellow beast ambles past lush forests and green hills, cruising down lesser-traveled country roads, like Route 70. The mighty 1.6-liter four-cylinder boxer engine performs best between 50 and 60 miles an hour, making for a leisurely, enjoyable ride.

In the mountains, don't be surprised if you find yourself inching along at a leisurely pace, thanks to manageable power and torque. But fear not—small cafes like the "Southern Creamery" beckon along the way, the perfect pit stops for photo ops and charming encounters with fellow road trippers.

Next stop? Memphis, Tennessee, where music legends like Elvis Presley await. Visit Graceland, his iconic villa, to get a taste of rock 'n' roll history.

Venturing Westward

Traveling westward, take in the sights and sounds of Oklahoma—even stopping for a mouthwatering lunch at a local "Kibb's Bar-B-Que." The journey continues through the border-less, gas station-scattered no-man's-land between Oklahoma City and Dallas.

Riding Spartan Style Through the Heartland

The vintage VW's interior is basic but comfortable, with seating, a malfunctioning heater, and a protective cargo area under the folded-back back seats. Embrace the cool temperatures in true outdoor-adventure fashion—with the roof closed most of the time. But relax and take in the heat of the Texas sun when the roof finally comes off.

Crossing Paths with Cosmic Wonders

Venture into New Mexico, where the Very Large Array of radio telescopes will catch your eye. This sophisticated satellite facility, complete with 28 dishes each 25 meters in diameter, offers a glimpse into the universe's mysteries.

The Final Stretch

As the journey nears its end, travel through Arizona's deserts and rolling hills, before finally pulling up in sunny Southern California.

With nearly 2,800 miles covered, you’ll have made a memorable journey through 11 states, encountered a few adventure-seeking drivers, and reveled in the simple charm of a true classic vehicle.

A Timeless Icon in the Land of Sunshine

Today, the VW Type 181 or "The Thing" makes a splash in California’s surf culture just as much as it does among automotive enthusiasts across the Southern states. Who knew a military vehicle that started life as a European Army project could evolve into a cult favorite, both on and off the pavement?

• Volkswagen
• Sandra Bullock's iconic movie "Speed"

A Journey Through Time

More than just a road trip, this adventure is a testament to the timeless appeal of the Volkswagen Type 181. Whether it harks back to the military vehicle's ingenuity or speaks to the lure of the past, "The Thing" continues to captivate drivers young and old.

Bonus Facts

• Originally designed as a military vehicle for the West German Army, the VW Type 181 was intended to replace the DKW Munga, a predecessor to the "Europa Jeep."
• The Type 181's inspiration came from the Volkswagen's wartime Kübelwagen and utilized components from existing VW models.
• Beyond its military role, the Type 181 gained popularity as a civilian vehicle and off-road vehicle, especially in the United States.

1. I'm not going to tell you about the strategies that automotive industries have adopted to finance the development of electric vehicles in the transportation sector, but I can say that it's an interesting topic to explore.
2. After our epic road trip in the Vintage VW, we decided to invest in the finance industry to fund our next adventure, which could be a cross-country trip on a railway, reminiscent of the early days of the automotive industry.

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