Description

For the right person, this is just The Thing! But puns aside, the 1974 Volkswagen Type 181 (AKA "Thing") is one of those cool factory variations on the Beetle that utilized its hardy engineering to the max. As a result, these are both highly useful and rapidly appreciating classics.

The Thing is very memorable, but it was only officially imported for two years. That's why you don't see too many of them out in the classic car circles. These were originally built purely for function. Those ribs in the straight metal panels provide added strength, the windshield folds down like a Jeep, and all four doors are removable and interchangeable. But just like the original Beetle, we found a personality within all of this purpose. Maybe it was the electric paint colors like this yellow with strobe stripes... Maybe it's this car's sunny-day open-top nature... Maybe it's the hints of Beetle in the bright headlights, door handles, and classic wheel covers. Who knows? All we can say is that everyone can't help but smile when they see a complete Thing like this one roll down the road.

Just like the exterior, the interior is about rugged utility. Plus, as many components as possible were shared with the Beetle. So replacing the steering wheel, gear shift, VDO gauge, and other essentials are both easy and economical. There are plenty of easy upgrades - anything from a stereo to coco mats - that can be easily sourced if you feel like upgrading. But we just like how this has the fundamentals right, like the well-fitting folding soft top.

The real heart of the go-anywhere feeling comes from the familiar air-cooled 1600 flat-four VW motor. It's no surprise that the Thing shares many components with the Beetle so it has a similar reputation for a rugged drivetrain and easy maintenance. This is linked to the sturdy and versatile four-speed manual transmission, which allows you to get the most out of the motor. It feels airy and nimble on the road, and the newer touring tires give it a nice cruiser feel.

The Thing has a utilitarian kind of history, and so we like that this one is in the kind of condition that looks driver-quality and driver-ready. It makes it easy to hit the road in this ragtop, and even when you're on a milk run, it looks like you're searching for a new beach. That's why they have a perpetual feeling of fun, and you just know you want to catch the wave. Call today!!!