- 1974 Volkswagen Thing
- CB Performance 2,010cc Naturally Aspirated I4
- Dual 44 Redline Weber Carburetors
- 4-Speed Manual
- RWD
- Pastel White Exterior
- Beige Interior
- Black Convertible Soft Top
- MAHLE Super Big Bore Intake
- 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
- Grant GT Steering Wheel
- Aftermarket Wheels
- Aftermarket Lift Kit
- Kenwood Head Unit
- Reupholstered Interior
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.
Exterior and Interior
It’s not often that one encounters a four-door convertible! Yet, that’s what we have here with this 1974 Volkswagen Thing, painted in Pastel White and sporting a black convertible soft top that covers the entire top and sides. And if you think this Thing looks a bit tall, that’s because it’s got an aftermarket lift kit and aftermarket wheels as well! Yes, this Thing can venture off the tarmac if desired, but remember that it’s rear-wheel drive and don’t go out of its depth! Alternatively, just lower the top, pop off the doors and enjoy a pleasant open-air driving experience. Also, if you look closely, you can see plenty of elements from the iconic classic Volkswagen Beetle here, such as the headlamps, front fender-mounted turn signal indicator lamps and taillamps too. The interior of this 1974 Volkswagen Thing comes in beige with seating for four adults. We’re told that the seats have been reupholstered for better comfort and durability. A Grant GT steering wheel has been fitted, as has a Kenwood head unit for better musical capabilities which is nice when you’re cruising around and having fun with your family or friends.
Engine
Like a Beetle, the Thing also came with air-cooled flat-four engines. However, this 1974 Volkswagen Thing has got an upgraded air-cooled flat-four from CB Performance. The unit displaces 2,010cc and uses dual 44 Redline Weber carburetors, ensuring that you’ve got some pretty sprightly performance underneath your right foot. A 4-speed manual transmission drives the rear wheels. There’s also a MAHLE super big bore air intake, and 4-wheel disc 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.
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