- 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.
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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