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1974 Volkswagen Thing

No reserve
1 of 88
Auction Sold
Sold
  • Sold forTag
  • Ended
    Tue, Jan 02, 2024
    8:10 pm UTC
  • BidsUser7
  • ViewsEye outline10,395
  • LocationPin outlineBedford, New York
Seller
Chassis/VIN1842220553E
Mileage indicated13,933 Miles TMU
Engine1.6-Liter Flat-Four
TransmissionManual

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

Bids

1/2/24 at 7:50 PM

$10,750

12/29/23 at 5:20 PM

$10,500

12/29/23 at 2:18 PM

$10,247

12/27/23 at 1:15 PM

$9,990

12/23/23 at 4:32 PM

$8,750

View all (7)
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