Everything in the dash is familiar to me, right from the two-spoke steering wheel to the indicator stalks, but not the yawning gap that calls itself a lidless glove box. I know this machine was built for a purpose, but this again, is ridiculous. The Type 181 has foldable rear seats to enlarge cargo space, something that’s a much-touted show-off feature in today’s cars, and it’s the same case with large map pockets on all the four doors too. What’s more, you can remove not only the windows, but the doors as well, without using any tools. So if you are the type who enjoys the crosswind-in-the-hair kind of motoring, this is the machine for you.
This was one of the earliest 181s, so it’s powered by the strong 1493cc air-cooled flat-four that pumps 44 bhp out at 4000 revs and develops 10.2 kgm of torque at 2000 revs. Later models got the bigger 1584cc boxer instead. With the familiar hearty beats emerging from the rear, the 181 is quite perky and jounces around the Chennai neighbourhood. I just love this drivetrain. On paper, the engine specs may not be that enthusiastic, but it does a good job of keeping the 181 at par with the Chennai traffic – it does not have too much of weight to lug, you see. In no time, you are through with the first three gears and are settled, chugging steadily in fourth. Its maximum speed is its top speed – a little over 100 kph – but that’s not what you want to do with a vehicle with its engine at the rear, drum brakes all around and with the dynamics of a brick. I was driving not only with the canvas top folded down – just a minute required to make it into a convertible – but with the windscreen folded down too. It’s a way too cool sensation. (Should I chop off the top of my Beetle as well? Hmm...)
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