Skip to article
Est. 2015 — Automotive Stories for Cars Enthusiasts
MOTORJUNKIE
1753405644 article ai 6882d7cc68b84
Cars Page 8 of 17

15 Cars That Were Too Honest for the Market—and Got Punished for It

7. Volkswagen Thing

923331 1974 Volkswagen The Thing Type 181 Cars Classic Convertible 1 Scaled
A quirky Volkswagen Thing, inspired by military vehicles, stands out with its boxy design and playful personality. | Image from www.rawpixel.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Volkswagen Thing was unapologetically honest about its origins, sporting a boxy, utilitarian design that revealed its military heritage. With flat panels and exposed hinges, it embraced function over form with almost rebellious pride. While its quirky charm won over a small group of enthusiasts, most buyers found it too odd and impractical for daily life. This radical transparency about its purpose ensured the Thing remained a niche curiosity rather than a mainstream success. Hagerty

Written by
Cameron
Advertisement
Please wait 5 sec.