This Volkswagen Thing got away, but there are more like it here.

1973 Volkswagen Thing

Sold for $25,500 on 4/7/22

This 1973 Volkswagen Thing was refurbished under previous ownership before being acquired by the seller in California in 2004 and subsequently relocating to Florida in 2017. The car is finished in tan over white vinyl and is powered by a replacement dual-port 1,600cc flat-four paired with a four-speed manual transaxle. Equipment includes a replacement tan soft top, side curtains with glass windows, a fold-down windshield, fog lights, rear intake ducts, 14″ steel wheels, and an AM/FM cassette radio. Service in February 2022 included a tune-up and a valve adjustment. This Type 181 is now offered with an owner’s manual, Thing publications, spare parts, a car cover, and a clean Florida title in the seller’s name.

The car reportedly underwent a two-year refurbishment under previous ownership and was repainted in high-gloss tan on both the exterior and interior. Features include fog lights, a fold-down windshield, rear intake ducts, and removable doors. Under current ownership a replacement tan soft top and black side curtains with glass windows were installed. Additional photos of the exterior and trim are provided in the gallery below.

Body-color 14″ steel wheels with VW-crested chrome hubcaps are fitted with 27×8.5″ Ridge Runner RV Radial II tires. Stopping power is provided by drums at all four corners.

The interior features seating surfaces upholstered in white vinyl accompanied by a body-color steel dashboard and inner foot wells. Amenities include an AM/FM cassette radio, a locking glovebox, and black carpeting protected by berber floor mats.

A four-spoke steering wheel is fitted with an aftermarket wrap and fronts a 100-mph speedometer, warning lights, a voltmeter, and an analog quartz clock. The five-digit mechanical odometer shows 25k miles, approximately 2k of which were added under current ownership. The speedometer and the horn are inoperable, and the total mileage is unknown.

The replacement dual-port 1,600cc flat-four was installed under previous ownership and is fitted with a Deano intake manifold and an aftermarket UNI air cleaner. Service in February 2022 reportedly included a tune-up and a valve adjustment.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four speed manual transaxle. Corrosion is visible on the floor pans, and additional photos of the underside are viewable in the gallery.

An owner’s manual, various Thing publications, spare parts, and a car cover are included in the sale.

Filed under: vw

Photo Gallery

Auction Result

Winning Bid	USD $25,500 by Tioguishe
Auction Ended	April 7, 2022 at 3:04PM PT
Bids	35

9,600 views

647 watchers

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