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1973 Volkswagen Thing Description

This 1973 Volkswagen Thing has been given a full professional frame-off restoration less than 550 miles ago. So that means you get a rare and distinct classic that looks bold, runs strong, and feels fresh, right down to the seating.

There's nothing else quite like the VW Type 181 Thing out there, and so they are instantly recognizable. And since they were only officially imported to the USA for two years, they are exceptionally rare. But nearly a half-century later, not all of these are presented equally. This one is a cut-above with a full frame-off restoration later in life, and they really made sure to build quality into it as they built it back up. For example, you have aircraft-grade Jet-Glo paint, so that vibrant orange is part of an extra durable shine. And those hardy steel bumpers not only look like they could push obstacles out of the way, but also the clean black look goes nicely with the fresh body seal rubber to give a nice black contrast to the orange. The robust nature is exactly what you want on a Thing. After all, these were built for strong utility with a fold-down windshield, interchangeable doors, and ribbed body panels for extra strength. So we really do love these for combining the fun nature of the Beetle with the go-anywhere style of a Jeep.

The tan folding roof has a high-quality look to it, and that's part of this car's secret charm. There was a nice investment during the restoration for getting many of the major components from the legendary The Thing Shop. So you have pieces like the folding top and plexiglas side curtains that look great and fit exceptionally well. And when you take down the roof you're going to see a fresh interior upholstered in the same color as the roof. The whole interior was done with the same care and thoughtfulness as the exterior, and you especially see that in the upgrades. For example, the upgraded steering wheel has a terrific grip and there's even the VW logo stamped in the center spoke. The wood overlay on the floor really reminds you this is a truly cool beach machine. The black roll bar adds safety while nicely coordinating with the black exterior accents. There are familiar pieces that remind you of the VW family like the four-speed gearshift and VDO gauge. Plus, there's something quite cool you don't see on too many Things anymore. There was a special heater developed for these that still has all its major components in place. It's this kind of detail-oriented package that VW people will love point out. And this one really is complete, right down to the tool kit.

Another place to show off on this one is the engine bay. This motor was rebuilt during the restoration, and you're going to be hard-pressed to find a cleaner example out there. In fact, take a look at the undercarriage photos, where you see the kind of clean and complete suspension that you'll probably put a mirror under it at car shows. While this one looks beautiful, right down to the mufflers, you also should never be afraid of driving it. Because this shares many of its components with the Beetle, you know the 1600cc motor is a robust powerplant that will be easy to keep in top condition for years to come.

This an exceptional example of a rare and cool cruiser. So if the ultimate Thing is your thing, don't miss this classic. Call now!