- 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 1977 Volkswagen Type 2 Riviera Camper captures the appeal of vintage Volkswagen travel culture with a practical camper conversion built around the iconic Bay Window platform. Showing approximately 38,342 miles, this example is finished in Cream and features a Black/Beige camper interior with a Riviera pop-top roof. Its camper configuration includes a rear sleeping area, patterned cloth rear bench upholstery, wood interior paneling, insulated rear quarters, and an auxiliary electrical setup, giving it the character of a true period-style adventure vehicle rather than a standard passenger van.
The 1966 Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most iconic vehicles ever produced, celebrated for its unmistakable styling, simple mechanical design, and enduring enthusiast following. Showing 71,480 miles, this example represents the classic Beetle formula with its 1,300cc air-cooled flat-four engine, rear-engine layout, and engaging 4-speed manual transmission. Finished in Bahama Blue with a reupholstered two-tone interior, this Beetle combines vintage charm with refreshed presentation while preserving the character that has made the Volkswagen Beetle a beloved classic around the world.
This 1966 Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter Riviera Camper Conversion captures the spirit of classic Volkswagen travel culture with its iconic T1 styling, compact footprint, and versatile camper layout. Showing approximately 800 miles on the current build, this example features a Riviera camper conversion with a walk-through hardtop configuration, rear sleeping area, and built-in wood cabinetry. The Riviera conversion adds particular enthusiast appeal, as these period camper configurations are sought after for their distinctive layouts, usability, and connection to vintage West Coast camping culture. Finished in Arctic White with a Turquoise interior, this vintage Volkswagen combines nostalgic charm with practical camper functionality, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts seeking a unique piece of classic automotive history.
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