1974 Volkswagen Thing

CB Performance 2,010cc Naturally Aspirated I4 | 4-Speed Manual | Reupholstered Interior

Extended Warranty
LOT #

260353262

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:
1842469554
Lot Number:
260353262
Condition:
Used
Odometer:
37,641 miles
(Exempt / TMU)
Engine:
2,010cc Naturally Aspirated I4
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Transmission:
Manual/Standard
Exterior Color:
Pastel White
Interior Color:
Beige
Vinyl Wrap:
Vehicle Location:
Wisconsin
  • 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

Overview of 1974 Volkswagen Thing For Sale by Owner

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.

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 1977 Volkswagen Type 2

1977 Volkswagen Type 2 Riviera Camper

Current Ask
$27,500

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.

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Passenger side photo of 1966 Volkswagen Beetle

1966 Volkswagen Beetle

Current Ask
$44,995

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.

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Passenger side photo of 1966 Volkswagen Type 2

1966 Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter Riviera Camper

Current Ask
$60,000

This 1966 Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter Riviera Camper Conversion captures the spirit of classic Volkswagen travel culture with its iconic T1 styling, compact footprint, and versatile camper layout. Showing approximately 800 miles on the current build, this example features a Riviera camper conversion with a walk-through hardtop configuration, rear sleeping area, and built-in wood cabinetry. The Riviera conversion adds particular enthusiast appeal, as these period camper configurations are sought after for their distinctive layouts, usability, and connection to vintage West Coast camping culture. Finished in Arctic White with a Turquoise interior, this vintage Volkswagen combines nostalgic charm with practical camper functionality, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts seeking a unique piece of classic automotive history.

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Passenger side photo of 1966 Chevrolet C10

1966 Chevrolet C10

Current Ask
$39,999

This 1966 Chevrolet C10 combines the clean, squared-off look of Chevrolet’s first-generation C/K pickups with a straightforward small-block V8 restomod treatment. Showing approximately 70,291 miles, it is finished in a striking Orange and Gray two-tone exterior over a Black interior. Under the hood sits a 350ci V8 equipped with an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and Edelbrock intake manifold, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Aftermarket headers, wheels, steering wheel, gauges, and audio equipment add to the truck’s customized character, while the wood bed floor with metal strips keeps a classic pickup-truck element intact.

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Passenger side photo of 1951 Chevrolet 3100

1951 Chevrolet 3100 Restomod LS2

Current Ask
$55,000

This 1951 Chevrolet 3100 Restomod blends the unmistakable shape of Chevrolet’s Advance-Design pickup with a thoroughly reworked performance-oriented drivetrain and chassis. Finished in Forest Green Metallic over a Black interior, this build is powered by a 6.0-liter LS2 V8 topped with dual Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetors and backed by a TH400 3-speed automatic. Supporting upgrades include 4-wheel disc brakes, a power brake booster, an aftermarket suspension setup, custom wheels, and a wood bed floor with polished metal strips. Inside, the truck mixes vintage simplicity with custom touches such as an aftermarket gauge cluster, dash-mounted display screen, and 3-spoke steering wheel. Showing approximately 754 miles, this 3100 presents as a fresh-feeling restomod with classic truck styling and modernized mechanical hardware.

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Passenger side photo of 1987 Chevrolet C20

1987 Chevrolet C20 Silverado

Current Ask
$25,000

The 1987 Chevrolet C20 Silverado comes from the final year of the classic square-body generation, giving this truck strong appeal among enthusiasts who prefer the traditional GM pickup formula. Showing 55,322 miles, this example pairs a 454ci V8 with a 3-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, all wrapped in a period-style brown and tan two-tone exterior. Its Silverado trim, dual fuel tanks, power accessories, and air conditioning make it well equipped for its era, while aftermarket wheels, a wood-grain steering wheel, custom center console, and Kenwood Excelon head unit add a more personalized touch.

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