1974 Volkswagen Thing

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Introduced to the U.S. market in 1973, the Thing traces its origins to VW's early military vehicles. Its basic design was developed from the Kurierwagen, a Beetle-based light-duty off-roader. Called the Type 181 at home, the open-top VW was marketed in the U.S. as the thing.

With its wash-out interior, the Thing was intened as a versatile recreational vehicle. Power came from a rear-mounted, air-cooled 1,600cc flat-four, which was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. Things sent to the U.S. market were built at the automaker's Puebla, Mexico, assembly plant.

This '74 Thing comes from the first year of U.S.-market production, and it was acquired by the seller in 2011. Finished in green over black vinyl, it features a replacement black top with sliding window door inserts and a replacement carbureted flat-four engine.

This 1974 Volkswagen Thing is now offered at no reserve with a clean California title in the seller's name.

Highlights

First-year U.S.-market Thing