1974 Volkswagen Thing
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1974 Volkswagen Thing Start-Up and Driving
Description
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
When the Volkswagen Type 181 arrived in the United States in 1972, it fit right in among Volkswagen’s lineup of classic Beetles, distinctive buses, and utilitarian Vanagons that had captured the counter-culture spirit of the 1960s and 1970s. Capitalizing on American’s love of Beetle-based dune buggies and other popular beach cruisers like the Mini Moke, the “Thing” used a Beetle driveline but with a rugged and versatile body better suited to cruising than Baja racing or rocky off-roading. It boasted a selection of vibrant 1970s color schemes, a removable soft top, a foldable windshield, and a spartan interior ideal for easy cleanup after spirited adventures. Today, the Volkswagen Thing is a charming and robust vehicle, thanks to its commonality with the ubiquitous Beetle and its prolific Volkswagen enthusiast support network.
Highlights
Air-cooled 1.6-liter flat-four engine
Four-speed manual transaxle
Tan paint with black rocker panel stripes
Black vinyl folding soft top
Black-finished five-spoke wheels mounted with Cooper Cs4 Touring tires
Black vinyl seats with driver’s seat cover
Aftermarket Kenwood AM/FM/CD stereo
Recent service in 2022 included:
Alternator installed
Upgraded drive belt installed
Spark plugs replaced
Headlight relay and fuse replaced
Fuse holder replaced
Serviced ignition system and tune-up
This 1974 Volkswagen thing is offered with the five-digit odometer currently showing just over 13,900 miles at the time of listing; however, the true mileage is unknown
Features
Black-finished bumpers, front and rear
Dual exterior rearview mirrors
Independent front and rear suspension
Four-spoke vinyl-wrapped steering wheel
Floor-mounted shifter with chrome shift knob
Wicker parcel tray
Front bucket seats
Electric windshield wipers
11.1-gallon fuel tank
Flat folding windshield
Carpeted trunk compartment
Locking glove compartment
Dual exhaust outlets
Known Imperfections
Surface rust present on the headlights, fog lights, bumpers, and exhaust tips
Rear rubber bumper over-riders are cracked
Minor paint bubbles near and on the front passenger-side door
Scratch on the right rear wheel arch
Crack in the passenger-side taillight lens
Paint cracks and bubbling on the engine lid
Driver and passenger front seat upholstery is torn
Windshield wiper linkage missing – only driver-side wiper actuates
Ownership History
The consignor reportedly acquired this 1974 Volkswagen Thing in early 2023.
The Broad Arrow Group Specialist representing this vehicle notes the following: Having driven this extensively I can attest that, as far as VW Things go, it’s a fun spritely car to enjoy a Sunday afternoon in. The 1.6-liter engine delivers smooth power across the power band, and it brakes and steers with confidence. Sitting in traffic was no trouble as the car always returned to a strong idle and the clutch had a predictable throw, making it easy to navigate all traffic conditions. The shifter can best be described as “fun” but there is no issue locating gears or going in for a sporty downshift. This will make for a great weekend adventure car, ready to hit the sand/dirt/tarmac, get rinsed down, and start all over again the next day!
Additional Notes
A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.
Contact: William Cooper Phone: 469.463.4542 email: wcooper@hagerty.com