1974 Volkswagen Thing

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.

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 was not just the “people's car” but was a symbol of peace, love, and good times, The Beetle’s platform was used to launch many exciting cars but very few matched up to the Volkswagen 181 Thing. The Volkswagen 181 or better known as the “thing” over in the US was Volkswagen’s attempt to recreate the legendary dune bug of the 60s. With an open-top design driving, one meant total freedom and standing out from the crowd in the quirkiest way possible. Looking to spice up your weekend drive and experience open-top driving like never before? This 1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing is what you are looking for. With a reported 73,000 miles on the clock, this classic Volkswagen is reportedly up for sale by its third owner.

This 1974 Volkswagen Beetle takes the familiar simplicity of the classic Type 1 and adds a thoroughly personalized performance and refresh story. Showing approximately 28,474 miles, this example is powered by a 2,200cc naturally aspirated bored-out air-cooled flat-4 fitted with dual Spanish Weber carburetors and backed by a Rancho Performance-built 4-speed manual transmission. Its documented refresh work from 2006 through 2009 included media blasting, suspension-related work, interior refurbishment, and sound-deadening material, giving this Beetle a much more developed presentation than a basic cosmetic makeover.

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.

The 1980 International Harvester Scout II SPX captures the rugged spirit of American four-wheel-drive vehicles, combining the Scout's distinctive utilitarian design with the durability and off-road capability that established International Harvester as a respected name among outdoor enthusiasts. Introduced as a competitor to the Jeep CJ and Ford Bronco, the Scout II became particularly popular for its versatile removable hardtop, durable drivetrain, and trail-ready construction. This particular final model year example, showing 106,702 miles, is finished in Bronze Metallic with a Tan interior and features a collection of off-road-oriented upgrades. Beneath the hood sits the desirable 3.3L Nissan SD33T turbocharged diesel inline-six, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drive. Additional highlights include a Dana 300 dual-range transfer case, Dana 44 axles, a front-mounted electric winch, KC auxiliary lighting, and an aftermarket suspension lift kit. With its distinctive Scout Rallye graphics, vintage diesel powertrain, and adventure-ready equipment, this Scout II offers an appealing combination of classic American SUV styling and traditional off-road capability.

This 1965 Chevrolet C10 Restomod LS brings together the unmistakable styling of Chevrolet's first-generation C/K pickup with modern LS V8 performance and an extensive collection of custom upgrades. Finished in Baby Blue Metallic with a contrasting Black/Gray interior, this classic pickup features a 6.0L Gen III LS V8 paired with an automatic transmission, with the seller reporting just 636 miles on the GM crate engine. Its performance-oriented build includes an S&S Motorsports engine tune, QA1 suspension with coilovers and tubular control arms, four-wheel disc brakes, and a Flowmaster exhaust system. Beyond its mechanical upgrades, the truck features a custom wood-plank pickup bed, steel wheels, Dakota Digital gauges, Vintage Air conditioning, and an upgraded Alpine audio system. Combining vintage Chevrolet pickup styling with contemporary power, comfort, and chassis improvements, this C10 offers a distinctive restomod experience for enthusiasts who appreciate both classic trucks and modern V8 performance.

Ford's ninth-generation F-Series arrived in 1992 with a more aerodynamic design, updated styling, and the same dependable truck engineering that helped make the F-150 an American favorite. By 1994, the F-150 offered an appealing combination of traditional V8 power, everyday practicality, and unmistakable pickup styling, with the Flareside configuration adding distinctive rounded rear fenders and a sportier appearance. This 1994 Ford F-150 Regular Cab Flareside, showing approximately 148,348 miles, brings a personalized touch to the classic OBS Ford platform with its Dark Green Metallic exterior, custom Brown diamond-stitched seating, and extensive aftermarket enhancements. Powered by a 5.0-liter 302ci Windsor V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, this example features an Edelbrock intake manifold, K&N cold air intake, custom CAL Offroad wheels, and upgraded LED headlights. Inside, a BOSS Audio Systems Elite touchscreen introduces modern connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. With its distinctive Flareside bodywork, classic small-block Ford V8, and tastefully customized appearance, this F-150 offers an appealing blend of 1990s truck nostalgia and contemporary convenience.