1973 Volkswagen Type 181 “The Thing” Acapulco Tribute

Description

The Volkswagen Type 181, which was fondly referred to as the "The Thing" in the U.S. market, was initially designed as a low-cost and sturdy quarter-ton Jeep equivalent for the German military. However, Volkswagen witnessed a growing demand from the public for a vehicle that could go anywhere, and thus, a civilian version of the car was introduced. This new vehicle was aimed at competing against the likes of the Citroën Méhari and the Fiat Jolly, as it promised a fun-filled driving experience at the beach or in the mountains. The vehicle utilized a modified Karmann Ghia Chassis and Beetle drivetrain, which meant that access to the vast Volkswagen dealership network for convenient servicing was always within reach. 

The Acapulco Thing, one of the more unusual models to bear the Volkswagen badge, was designed specifically for two high-end resorts in Acapulco, Mexico, a popular destination for Hollywood celebrities in the 1960s and 1970s. Assembled in Puebla, Mexico, the boxy beach cruiser was used by the oceanfront hotels to transport wealthy vacationers from the airport to the shoreline. Its popularity among Volkswagen enthusiasts has led to many fun tributes such as this example that build upon the small run of about 400 Acapulco Things built between May and July of 1974. 

Highlights 

• A fun and whimsical tribute to the Acapulco Thing that features: 

  • Nautical striped front and rear seats   

  • Seat-matching vinyl surrey top on a special high-profile tubular frame 

• The engine was rebuilt under prior ownership with case number H0815772, with details of the rebuild and its displacement being unknown 

  • Dellorto FRD 34 B dual 34 mm carburetors with recently replaced intake manifold seals 

  • Bosch 009 distributor 

  • External spin oil filter 

• The four-speed transaxle with serial number (AV069093) benefits from the following new parts: 

  • Sachs clutch kit 

  • Pressure plate  

  • Throw out bearing  

  • Shaft seals  

  • Gland nut seals 

  • Flywheel  

  • Empi trigger shifter (long version) with reverse lockout 

  • Reverse light switch with new wiring 

  • New CV axles boots with fresh grease 

• With in the past 500 miles from 2021 through 2023 the following new parts have been installed: 

  • Front and rear brake drums, spindle nuts, thrust washers, brake shoes, wheel cylinders, springs, spring plates, dust caps, and wheel studs 

  • Fuel tank, hoses, filters, seals, sending unit, clamps, and mounting kit 

  • Full brake system refresh including the master cylinder, metal hard lines, brake light switch, fluid reservoir, parking brake lever kit, and associated rubber parts 

  • Valve covers, gaskets, oil sump plate, oil sump screen, drain plug, and seals 

  • Auxiliary VDO voltage, oil pressure, and oil temperature gauges with concealed wiring 

  • Starter, relay, cables, bolts, and ground strap 

  • Engine compartment seals 

  • Oil cooler, stand, sealing frame, and seals 

  • Front seat belts 

  • Headlights, turn signals, LED daytime running lights, taillights 

  • Goodyear Assurance All-Season tires 

  • AM/FM radio mounted in the glovebox with a chrome antenna 

• Please see the Additional Documents section for a detailed accounting of the work completed on this Volkswagen 

Features 

• Independent front and rear suspension   

• Glove box courtesy light  

• Full-size spare 

• Electric windshield wipers  

• Flat folding windshield  

• Black painted bumpers  

• Dual chrome side view mirrors  

• Auxiliary driving lights 

• Flat folding rear bench seat 

• “Duckboard” floor coverings 

• Front trunk luggage bar 

• “Volkswagen 181” side stripes 

Known Imperfections 

• Inoperable odometer 

• Small engine oil leak 

• Paint scratches on lower front passenger door & lower fender 

• Turn Signals do not automatically cancel due to custom steering wheel installed under previous ownership 

• Small bubbling area beneath paint on passenger side of lower windshield frame 

• Several small rock chips 

• Small tear on right front corner of surrey top 

Included 

• Four stock side curtains 

• The stock convertible top and frame with arm covers 

• A thick stack of invoices and receipts 

• A spare 14 and 15 inch wheel and tire 

• Bilstein jack 

• Spirit of America hub caps 

• Type 181 Operations and Maintenance manual 

• Replacement Parts List (Type 181) 

• VW Thing Service Manual 

• How to Keep your Volkswagen Alive book 

• The Dellorto Superformance Tech Book 

• New parts summary sheets 

Ownership History 

The consignor purchased this 1973 Volkswagen Type 181 “The Thing” Acapulco Tribute in January 2021. They note that the car was in wonderful condition at the time, yet upon acquisition the car was gone through front to rear with many upgrades and new parts added as detailed above and in the additional documents.