1974 Volkswagen Thing

1,584cc Air-Cooled Naturally Aspirated H4 | Repainted In Army Green (Original Color) | Re-Upholstered Interior

Extended Warranty
LOT #

251043423

Classic Truck

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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
Make:
Model:
VIN:
1842542323
Lot Number:
251043423
Odometer:
45,382
(Exempt / TMU)
Engine:
1,584cc Naturally Aspirated H4
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Transmission:
Manual/Standard
Exterior Color:
Army Green
Interior Color:
Black
Vinyl Wrap:
Vehicle Location:
New York
  • 1974 Volkswagen Thing
  • 1,584cc Air-Cooled Naturally Aspirated H4
  • Single Downdraft Solex Carburetor
  • 4-Speed Manual
  • RWD
  • Army Green Exterior
  • Black Interior
  • Black Convertible Top
  • Repainted In Army Green (Original Color)
  • Re-Upholstered Interior
  • Full-Size Spare Tire
  • Jack & Tool Roll
  • Torsion Bar Suspension
  • Front Disc & Rear Drum Brakes
  • Removable Side Curtains
  • Fold-Down Windshield
  • 14" Steel Wheels w/ Chrome VW Hubcaps

Overview of 1974 Volkswagen Thing For Sale by Owner

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!

Exterior and Interior

Repainted in Army Green, this 1974 Volkswagen Thing certainly looks like nothing else. Indeed, no automaker could make something like it today without falling foul of regulatory requirements. The car comes with 14-inch steel wheels wearing chrome VW hubcaps, a fold-down windshield, side curtains that are removable, and a black convertible top. While the shape is distinctive, it’s got some recognizable elements too, such as rear lamp clusters from the Beetle. We’re also informed that the full-size spare wheel, jack and tool roll are included with the sale too. The interior of this 1974 Volkswagen Thing comes with four reupholstered seats in black and an overall spartan environment. Yes, you’ve got a dashboard, speedometer and the major driving controls, but little else in the form of creature comforts or, whisper it, luxuries. That’s fine because this Thing is meant to make you think, appreciate modern life’s fripperies, and realize that your parents and grandparents made do with much less.

Engine

This 1974 Volkswagen Thing packs an air-cooled naturally aspirated flat four. The 1.6-liter unit can also be found in Beetles and Microbuses from the same era. With its friendly purr and easy power delivery, you’ll definitely recognize it in an instant. Power goes to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual gearbox. There’s also torsion bar suspension, a Solex single downdraft carburetor, front disc and rear drum brakes. All that makes for a vehicle that’s surprisingly easy to drive and won’t annoy other road users.

Walk-around Video of this Volkswagen Thing

Passenger side photo of 1974 Volkswagen Thing

1974 Volkswagen Thing

Current Ask
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.

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Passenger side photo of 1974 Volkswagen Thing

1974 Volkswagen Thing

Current Ask
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!

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Passenger side photo of 1973 Volkswagen Thing

1973 Volkswagen Thing Restomod

Current Ask
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.

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Passenger side photo of 1963 Volkswagen Beetle

1963 Volkswagen Beetle

Current Ask
$39,950

Few automobiles have left a mark on automotive history quite like the Volkswagen Beetle. Produced in the millions and recognized around the globe, the Beetle earned its reputation through simplicity, reliability, and unmistakable styling. This 1963 Volkswagen Beetle has been restored and tastefully upgraded while preserving the timeless charm that made these cars cultural icons. Showing approximately 1,666 miles since its restoration, this Beetle pairs its classic silhouette with modern enhancements, including a sliding ragtop sunroof, upgraded suspension, and front disc brakes, creating a vintage driving experience with improved usability.

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Passenger side photo of 1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

1969 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Current Ask
$14,999

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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Passenger side photo of 1969 Volkswagen Beetle

1969 Volkswagen Beetle

Current Ask
$22,500

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.

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Passenger side photo of 1990 Ford Bronco

1990 Ford Bronco XLT

Current Ask
$36,999

The full-size Bronco was one of Ford's most capable and recognizable SUVs of the late 1980s and early 1990s, earning a reputation for rugged durability and genuine off-road capability. This 1990 Ford Bronco XLT shows approximately 115,810 miles and presents in the classic two-tone Black and Silver color scheme that perfectly captures the era. Equipped with the desirable 5.8L Windsor V8, four-wheel drive, and a lifted stance, this Bronco blends classic styling with trail-ready capability, making it equally suited for weekend adventures, local shows, or nostalgic cruising.

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Passenger side photo of 1968 Chevrolet K10

1968 Chevrolet K10

Current Ask
$79,999

This 1968 Chevrolet K10 brings classic Action Line pickup styling together with a properly old-school, custom-built attitude. Showing approximately 36,615 miles, it is finished in Blue with a Blue-and-Black cabin, a carbureted 350ci V8, three-speed automatic transmission, and factory-style four-wheel-drive capability. It has the look of a vintage Chevrolet cruiser with the stance, usability, and visual punch of a truck built to go beyond the pavement.

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Passenger side photo of 1956 Ford F-100

1956 Ford F-100

Current Ask
$44,999

The first-generation Ford F-100 is one of the most recognizable classic pickups ever built, and this 1956 Ford F-100 has been tastefully transformed into a custom street truck while retaining the timeless styling that made these trucks legendary. Under the hood is a 351ci Windsor V8 bored .060 over with a mild cam, paired with an automatic transmission for an enjoyable blend of classic V8 performance and effortless drivability. Finished in a custom gray and white two-tone paint scheme with shaved bodywork and a personalized bed, this F-100 combines vintage Ford heritage with the clean styling and comfort expected from a well-executed custom build.

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