1973 VW Thing for Sale
We Have Another Cool 1974 VW Thing for Sale - Check it Out!
Very Solid Floors and Body, Runs Excellent, All New Brakes, New Tires, Removable Hard Top!
I am happy to finally offer another classic VW Thing for sale! The VW Thing, or Type 181, is a civilian, "bare bones" Volkswagen convertible imported into the USA in 1973 & 1974. The doors come off of this fun, utilitarian car, the windshield folds down, and the rear seating folds into a cargo area offering several different configurations! Since these were only imported for two years, they don't come up for sale very often. And this is a nice one.
This is a 1973 VW Thing owned by my Uncle Jerry. My Uncle is the VW Mechanic that taught me all about repairing and collecting Volkswagens in my younger days. This is his car and he has asked for my help in finding it a new home. As you might guess, being owned by a professional VW mechanic is good for your health (if you're a car). This car is mechanically excellent. Even in the midst of a mid-winter slumber in temperatures well below freezing the car started up for our photo shoot.
The car starts, runs, drives and stops great. This VW Thing has all new brakes, all new tires, new fuel lines, and a new clutch (complete with new pressure plate, throw out barring, a resurfaced flywheel & a new transmission seal). As an example of my Uncle's dedication to maintenance, the engine has had and three oil changes in the last three and a half years. My Uncle bought this Thing on 7/7/06 with 64,696 miles and it now shows only 65,618.
The previous owner bought this car up from Utah. Utah is a great state for preserving classic cars. The dry climate and mild weather make for really solid bodies. Car bodies! Check out the floors in the Closeup Body Gallery just below this written description. This car has its original floor and they are in immaculate shape with no rust. These Things have a really high ground clearance so they are perfect for off-roading. They can go just about anywhere!
From what I can tell this Thing has never been repainted. It's in its nice, original orange first paint. There is one spot that's been touched up because of a ding on the front, passenger side fender. It's not repaired but the area is covered/protected under paint at least. Otherwise I think the entire car is in original paint. What you see is what you get. The body isn't perfect but it is certainly presentable as it is.
I bought a Volkswagen Thing as my first collector car when I was still in high school. My very first car was a 1974 bug, and since that was my daily driver that didn't count as a "collector". But about 6 months after buying my bug I found a 1974 Thing and I still have it today (17 years later!). I love VW Things. They are so much fun. Finding one with as solid of a body as this one from Utah, and seeing one for sale that has been mechanic owned, a purchase is definitely worth considering.
I reupholstered the front seats in my '74 VW Thing myself over a weekend. This one could use the same treatment. I had never done it before but there is a kit with original style upholstery and pre-made cushions that is pretty easy to do yourself. My Uncle just used the seat pad shown in one of the photos and enjoyed it as is. The rear cushions are good. There were never any door panels or carpet in these utilitarian VW Things, but that way if it gets wet inside you can just stick it out in the sun and it dries!
Having a hard top was an option back when these VW Things were new. The hard top is removable. And as I already mentioned, the doors come off and the windshield folds down. I have had more fun in my Thing than in any other car. The rear seating area all folds flat so I've had my Thing to many drive-in movies over the summers.
I can help with shipping since I sell classic cars on a regular basis. Please take some time to view all of the photos in the two galleries so you can really appreciate the exact condition of this classic VW Thing, and enjoy the videos so you can see and hear this 1973 VW Thing in action! Call with any questions or to reserve this "Thing".
John Snell.
Click an image below for many more detailed photos
of the interior and exterior of this fine 1973 VW Thing
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| 1973 VW Thing Body Gallery | 1973 VW Thing Close-Up Gallery |
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See this Classic 1973 VW Thing in action below:
Videos include engine running, start-up, walk-a-round and more!
Click the PLAY button below for some exciting video!
