- 1973 Model Year Volkswagen Thing 181
- Yellow exterior
- Black interior
- Black top
- Seller reports the car has been repainted at some point
- For sale by third owner reported by seller
The Volkswagen Beetle was not just the “people's car” but was a symbol of peace, love, and good times, The Beetle’s platform was used to launch many exciting cars but very few matched up to the Volkswagen 181 Thing. The Volkswagen 181 or better known as the “thing” over in the US was Volkswagen’s attempt to recreate the legendary dune bug of the 60s. With an open-top design driving, one meant total freedom and standing out from the crowd in the quirkiest way possible. Looking to spice up your weekend drive and experience open-top driving like never before? This 1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing is what you are looking for. With a reported 73,000 miles on the clock, this classic Volkswagen is reportedly up for sale by its third owner.
Exterior and Interior
The Volkswagen Thing was a mishmash of multiple cars from the Volkswagen lineup. While the design was unique, the floor pans were borrowed from the legendary Karman Ghia; the design allowed for all four doors to be removable, the windshield to fold flat and the convertible roof to be removed so that you and your passengers could experience a unique driving experience. This 1973 Volkswagen Thing is finished off with a yellow exterior and sports a black “the thing” sticker running on the side of the car. The body and paint are in great condition with the Seller reporting the car have been repainted at some point. The convertible roof is finished off in black and in terms of shoes, this classic Volkswagen sports its factory wheels and hubcaps. The barebone interior on this 1973 Volkswagen Thing sports a black and yellow theme and shares features like the Wolfsburg steering wheel and meter cluster from the Volkswagen Beetle. The interior is all factory with the exception of an aftermarket JVC sound system providing tunes.
Engine
Scoot over to the back and pop the hood and you will find the legendary Volkswagen air-cooled engine in this 1973 Volkswagen Thing. The 4-cylinder air-cooled powertrain on this car sports a twin carburetor set up for added power. The rear-engined setup sends power to the car's rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission.
The Volkswagen Type 181, also called the Thing, is a quirky four-door rear-drive convertible that was initially developed for the West German army. As we now know, many military vehicles also find civilian personas, and that’s what happened here too. Called the Thing in the United States, it quickly became a quirky lifestyle vehicle. Over 90,000 units were made between 1971 and 1983. Today, we have a 37,641-mile 1974 Volkswagen Thing for sale from Middleton, Wisconsin. Packing a CB Performance 2,010cc naturally aspirated flat four, a reupholstered interior and a four-speed manual box, this is a fun little Thing to drive around town in.
Officially called the Volkswagen Type 181, the Thing as it became known in the United States is a two-wheel drive, four-door convertible curio that Volkswagen made between 1968 and 1983, for civilian, as well as military use. Sharing many components with the Beetle, Microbus and Karmann Ghia, the Thing was also called the Trekker in the United Kingdom and the Safari in Mexico and South America. Over 90,000 were made, and we’ve got a 1974 Volkswagen Thing for sale today from Shandaken, New York. With under 46,000 miles on the clock, this Thing has been repainted and has a reupholstered interior as well. It’s the perfect fun vehicle to drive around on the weekends!
The Volkswagen we know today follows the same recipe of solid, workmanlike performance and reliability, and sometimes a bit too ordinary. Turn back the clock 40 odd years, however; this couldn't be farther from the truth of today; creations like the dune buggy and the "thing" gave car buyers quirky and colorful choices of motoring that would never see the light of day in modern times. The vehicle we have today is a mix of the custom restomod and features a blend of Volkswagen's quirky dune buggy and unique 181 and comes in the form of this 1973 Volkswagen Thing Restomod. With a reported 20,000 miles, this unique creation was completed last month and is reported to be a Californian street-legal car, albeit modified for off-road driving.
The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most recognizable automobiles ever produced, with a legacy spanning decades and millions of units sold worldwide. This 1969 Volkswagen Beetle Coupe showcases the timeless charm that made the Beetle a cultural icon, combining simple engineering, dependable mechanicals, and unmistakable styling. Showing approximately 7,204 miles, this example stands out with its vibrant Red exterior and tastefully reupholstered White and Red interior. The classic air-cooled driving experience remains intact, while the refreshed cabin adds a custom touch that enhances both comfort and presentation. Whether destined for local car shows, weekend cruises, or a vintage Volkswagen collection, this Beetle delivers an authentic piece of automotive history.
The Volkswagen Type 2 is one of the most recognizable vehicles ever produced, symbolizing freedom, adventure, and a carefree lifestyle for generations of enthusiasts. By 1977, the Bay Window Transporter had evolved into a more refined and capable vehicle while retaining the unmistakable character that made it a cultural icon. Showing 149,097 miles, this 1977 Volkswagen Transporter stands out with its attractive Marino Yellow and Pastel White two-tone exterior, restored interior, and tasteful upgrades. Featuring custom upholstery, woodgrain interior accents, an aftermarket safari-style roof rack, and a classic air-cooled powertrain, this Transporter captures the spirit of vintage Volkswagen motoring while offering the charm and usability that collectors continue to seek today.
There are custom builds, and then there are machines like this. This 1970 Volkswagen Beetle Restomod shows just 710 miles and represents a complete reimagination of one of the most recognizable economy cars ever built. Far removed from its humble air-cooled origins, this Beetle has been transformed into a full custom hot rod powered by a Chevrolet LT1 V8, riding on a tubular chassis, and engineered with hardware more commonly found in purpose-built performance cars. From its chopped roofline and wide rear stance to its remote-controlled suicide doors and bespoke interior, this is a build created to command attention wherever it goes. The title carries a rebuilt designation noted in title history, which should be fully disclosed, but this vehicle’s appeal lies in its craftsmanship, engineering ambition, and sheer uniqueness rather than originality.
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