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.
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.
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.
There are custom builds, and then there are machines like this. This 1970 Volkswagen Beetle Restomod shows just 710 miles and represents a complete reimagination of one of the most recognizable economy cars ever built. Far removed from its humble air-cooled origins, this Beetle has been transformed into a full custom hot rod powered by a Chevrolet LT1 V8, riding on a tubular chassis, and engineered with hardware more commonly found in purpose-built performance cars. From its chopped roofline and wide rear stance to its remote-controlled suicide doors and bespoke interior, this is a build created to command attention wherever it goes. The title carries a rebuilt designation noted in title history, which should be fully disclosed, but this vehicle’s appeal lies in its craftsmanship, engineering ambition, and sheer uniqueness rather than originality.
Few automobiles have achieved the universal recognition of the Volkswagen Beetle, and even fewer have maintained the enduring charm of the early oval-window cars. This 1957 Volkswagen Beetle represents one of the most beloved eras of the Type 1, combining the purity of the classic air-cooled formula with the unmistakable character that helped mobilize postwar Europe and eventually win over the world. Showing 4,042 miles on the odometer, this figure should be considered mileage shown unless otherwise documented, as is typical with collector vehicles of this vintage. Finished in black over a striking red leather interior with white piping, this Beetle presents a far more bespoke appearance than a standard factory example, further enhanced by its bifold ragtop and included matching trailer. For collectors seeking vintage Volkswagen charm with added personality, this package offers an especially eye-catching proposition.
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.
The Chevrolet El Camino occupies a uniquely American niche that no modern automaker truly replicates—a vehicle that blends passenger car comfort with pickup-style practicality in one unmistakable package. By 1987, the El Camino was in its final production year, making this example part of the model’s farewell chapter after nearly three decades of production. Showing 77,554 miles, this 1987 Chevrolet El Camino stands out with tasteful mechanical upgrades and classic cruiser appeal, finished in its factory-correct Light Chestnut Metallic/Dark Chestnut Metallic two-tone exterior over a Saddle interior. Under the hood sits a 350ci V8 upgrade paired with a host of aftermarket performance enhancements, making this a more engaging machine than a stock example. As one of the last true coupe utilities produced in America, this El Camino offers a compelling mix of nostalgia, usability, and V8-powered character.
The Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler occupies a unique place in Jeep history as one of the brand’s most distinctive and collectible utility vehicles. Produced for just a short run between 1981 and 1986, the Scrambler combined the iconic open-air CJ formula with a longer wheelbase and pickup-style cargo bed, creating a machine that was equally at home on the trail or around town. This 1985 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler shows approximately 218,424 miles and presents as a charismatic example finished in red over a black interior. With its removable hardtop, rugged utility upgrades, and unmistakable Jeep character, this CJ-8 represents a classic analog 4x4 from the golden era of off-road motoring.
The Jeep CJ-7 represents one of the last truly analog chapters in Jeep’s storied off-road history, arriving before the Wrangler ushered in a more modern era. Produced from 1976 through 1986, the CJ-7 became one of the most recognizable civilian 4x4s ever built, blending rugged simplicity with removable-top freedom and genuine trail capability. This 1986 Jeep CJ-7, showing 158,355 miles, represents the final model year of the iconic CJ lineage, giving it added appeal among Jeep enthusiasts. Finished in a cheerful Sky Blue over a reupholstered tan leather cabin with a white hard top, this example combines vintage Jeep charm with thoughtful modern usability upgrades, making it a far friendlier classic to enjoy regularly than a bare-bones stock truck.
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