- 1973 MY Volkswagen Thing Restomod
- Complete restoration finished in September 2022
- Current owner reports new Cadillac "Shortstar" V6 engine
- Current owner reports new triple bypass suspension
- Current owner reports new roll cage
- Modified for fully off-road driving
- California street legal car
- Current owner reports new coilovers
- Current owner reports new sound system
- Current owner reports new radio system
- Current owner reports new cutting brakes
- Current owner reports new interior
- Current owner reports new bucket seats
- Harness seatbelts
- Car-to-car radio system
- New steering wheel
- LOWRANCE GPS system
- Current owner reports new paint job
- Current owner reports new lights
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.
Exterior and Interior
Regardless of what flashy and intimidating vehicles are present off the beaten path, you can rest assured this 1973 Volkswagen Thing Restomod with its red exterior stands out. The current owner reports a new paint job and new lights for better visibility. While it might still sport its iconic design, its lifted stance and unique upgrades make it look like an aggressive off-roader. Sitting in the cockpit of this 1973 Volkswagen Thing Restomod, you instantly feel you are in a rally car. The custom interior is reported to be new and features new bucket seats, a steering wheel, and a sound system with car-to-car radio. If you are worried about safety, the new roll cage and harness seatbelts look the part and aid safety. Concerned about getting lost while off the beaten path? The reported Lowrance GPS in this car sure comes in handy to get you back to civilization.
Engine
The custom exterior and interior upgrades are cool, but the reported 3.5 L Cadillac "Shortstar" V6 engine powering this 1973 Volkswagen Thing Restomod provides performance and uniqueness never seen before on a Thing. To make it a better off-roader, the current owner reports new coilovers and a triple bypass suspension for better ground holding and handling characteristics. Speaking of traction, power is sent to the car's rear wheels through a manual transmission, and the whole affair comes to a steady halt with the owner reporting new brakes.
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.
For decades, the Volkswagen Type 2 has represented freedom on four wheels, becoming one of the most recognizable camper vans ever produced. This 1972 Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter Camper Van carries on that legacy with its classic Orange and White finish, pop-top camper roof, and thoughtfully configured camper interior conversion. Showing approximately 88,815 miles, this air-cooled icon blends vintage character with the functionality that made these Transporters favorites among adventurers, surfers, and road-trip enthusiasts. Whether destined for weekend camping excursions, local Cars & Coffee events, or simply reliving the golden age of overland travel, this Type 2 is ready for its next chapter.
The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most recognizable automobiles ever produced, earning a reputation for its simple engineering, unmistakable styling, and enduring reliability. This 1963 Volkswagen Beetle takes that iconic formula several steps further with a professionally upgraded drivetrain and numerous performance enhancements while retaining the timeless charm that has made the Beetle a beloved classic for generations. Showing off a striking Crimson Red finish over a Gray interior, this Beetle is powered by a Scat-built 2027cc air-cooled flat-four equipped with dual Weber 44mm carburetors, creating a spirited driving experience that far exceeds the performance of its original factory configuration.
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia has long been admired for blending dependable German engineering with elegant Italian styling. Penned by Carrozzeria Ghia and hand-assembled by Karmann, it offered sports car looks while retaining the reliability and simplicity of the legendary Beetle. This 1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe carries on that legacy, showing 155,708 miles and delivering the unmistakable charm that has made air-cooled Volkswagens favorites among collectors for decades. Finished in Cherry Red over a Black interior, this classic is equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission and even features a period General Electric CB radio, making it a nostalgic cruiser that’s equally enjoyable at local cars & coffee events or weekend drives.
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