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1973 Volkswagen Thing Restomod

Newly Restored | New Cadillac Shortstar V6 engine  | Full Roll Cage

OFF MARKET
VERIFIED SELLER
LOT #

22113223

Classic Truck

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$39,999
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OFF MARKET VEHICLE
All the information and photos on this listing are from when this vehicle was originally listed on ExoticCarTrader.com
Listing Disclaimer:
Verified Seller provides all vehicle specific information and modifications listed below. Confirm any specifics with your Exotic Car Trader Representative prior to purchase. Sales tax or other taxes, tag, title, registration fees, government fees, not included in advertised price. $1,299 Pre-Delivery Service Charge not included in advertised price.
Make:
Model:
Builder:
Thing
VIN:
1832567023
Lot Number:
22113223
Odometer:
20,000
(Exempt / TMU)
Engine:
Cadillac 3.5L V6
Drive Type:
RWD
Transmission:
Manual/Standard
Exterior Color:
Red
Interior Color:
Black
Vinyl Wrap:
Vehicle Location:
Temecula
California
  • 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
View all specifications

Extras Included in the Sale

Background Story of this 1973 Volkswagen Thing

Overview of 1973 Volkswagen Thing For Sale by Owner

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.

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

Walk-around Video of this Volkswagen Thing

Passenger side photo of vehicle

1974 Volkswagen Thing

VERIFIED SELLER
PENDING SALE
$22,995
SOLD

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.

view listing
Passenger side photo of vehicle

1974 Volkswagen Thing

VERIFIED SELLER
PENDING SALE
$22,999
SOLD

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!

view listing
Passenger side photo of vehicle

1973 Volkswagen Thing Restomod

VERIFIED SELLER
PENDING SALE
$39,999
SOLD

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.

view listing
Passenger side photo of vehicle

1969 Volkswagen Beetle

VERIFIED SELLER
PENDING SALE
$16,999

The 1969 Volkswagen Beetle Coupe is one of the most iconic cars ever produced, celebrated for its simplicity, charm, and unmistakable design. This particular example, showing 88,912 miles, takes that classic formula and transforms it into a bold tribute to Auburn University. Finished in a striking blue and orange color scheme and featuring custom Auburn-themed details throughout, this Beetle stands as a rolling expression of school pride. It blends vintage German engineering with a personalized, collegiate identity, making it far more than just a classic car—it’s a statement piece. Whether you’re an Auburn fan or simply someone who appreciates unique builds, this Beetle offers character that few others can match.

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Passenger side photo of vehicle

1954 Volkswagen Beetle

VERIFIED SELLER
PENDING SALE
$49,998

The world around us runs at a pace that leaves little time to take a step back, breathe, and reset. It's vital that you slow life down and appreciate the finer things. Present today are finer things in automotive form and take shape with this iconic 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. This classic beauty hails from Weston, Florida, and is reported to come with a reprint of its owner's manual, a car cover, and a Volkswagen certificate.

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Passenger side photo of vehicle

1968 Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia Camper

VERIFIED SELLER
PENDING SALE
$34,500

Ever heard the quote “You can live in your car, but you can't drive your house"? Well, If you were to take that quote in its literal sense, you would find that living in your car can be a very uncomfortable experience. But what if you could live in it, travel like never before, and refuse conform to the norms of life? Well, this 1968 Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia Camper we have today can make all that happen. Hailing from Elk Grove, California, this mobile home is a reported Westfalia camper conversion and is ready to take you out into the open road with style and comfort.

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Passenger side photo of vehicle

1973 Jeep CJ-5

VERIFIED SELLER
PENDING SALE
$29,999

The 1973 Jeep CJ-5 stands as a true symbol of classic American off-road culture, and this particular example takes that legacy to an entirely different level with a heavily built, trail-focused setup. Showing just 7,635 miles, it has clearly been maintained as a purpose-driven machine rather than a daily driver. What makes this CJ-5 especially compelling is the depth of its upgrades—from the V8 swap to reinforced axles, steering improvements, and a fully outfitted recovery and lighting system. It’s not just visually aggressive; it’s engineered to perform in serious off-road environments, making it an excellent option for enthusiasts who want a vintage Jeep that’s already been built right instead of starting from scratch.

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Passenger side photo of vehicle

1973 Ford F-250 Ranger

VERIFIED SELLER
PENDING SALE
$36,999

The 1973 Ford F-250 Ranger represents the beginning of Ford’s sixth-generation F-Series lineup, a period when durability and simplicity defined the American pickup. This particular truck shows just 53,719 miles and presents as a highly original, well-preserved example of a classic ¾-ton workhorse. Finished in the period-correct Limestone Green Metallic and equipped with the Ranger trim package, it blends utilitarian capability with subtle upscale touches for its time. The addition of a factory-style automatic transmission and 4WD system makes it especially desirable, offering both ease of driving and genuine off-road capability. Trucks like this are increasingly sought after for their honest character, mechanical simplicity, and unmistakable vintage presence.

view listing
Passenger side photo of vehicle

1972 Ford F-100

VERIFIED SELLER
PENDING SALE
$36,500

The 1972 Ford F-100 Pickup represents the final year of the fifth-generation F-Series, a lineup that helped define Ford’s dominance in the truck market. Showing 70,738 miles, this example captures the essence of early ‘70s American pickups—simple, durable, and full of character. Finished in its original-style Winter Green, this truck retains its classic charm while benefiting from a refreshed presentation. Powered by a torquey 360ci V8 and paired with a manual transmission, it offers an authentic, hands-on driving experience that modern trucks simply can’t replicate. Whether you’re looking for a vintage cruiser, a weekend hauler, or a collectible classic, this F-100 delivers timeless appeal.

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