Key Details
- Seller : Dealmker
- Location : Cocoa, FL 32926
- Seller Type : Private
Build Sheet
- VIN: 1833023364
- 1.6L Air-cooled flat-four engine
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Orange urethane basecoat paint
- Original factory body panels
- Folding windshield
- Removable black soft top
- Five-spoke alloy wheels
- New radial tires
- Auxiliary gasoline-powered heater
- Utilitarian front bucket seats
- Folding rear bench seats
- Color-matched custom Sage guitar included
Wrench Report
RestoMods Head Mechanic. 20 year classic car mechanic & builder.
The VW "Thing" is the ultimate exercise in functional minimalism, and finding a 1973 model with its original Mexican-built sheet metal and zero rust is a genuine rarity. Most of these succumbed to the elements decades ago, but this example has been preserved as a "dry" car, recently refreshed with a vibrant orange urethane finish that perfectly suits its quirky, go-anywhere personality. It's a time capsule of air-cooled simplicity, retaining the signature folding windshield and gasoline-powered heater that made the Type 181 a cult classic. A little out of our normal wheelhouse, but I've always been a fan of these. Whether its the beach, or some other adventure, this Thing is up for it.
Description
This 1973 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing is a Mexican-built example that was acquired by the current owner in 2023. The car features all-factory metal and is described as having no history of rust or rust repair. It received a single repaint in its current orange urethane basecoat in 2025. This Type 181 has been garage-kept and is now offered with a clean Florida title denoting 99,613 actual miles. Included with the sale is a color matched custom Sage guitar. The vehicle is located
The exterior is finished in orange and features the model's signature folding windshield and removable top. The body panels are original to the vehicle, and the repaint was completed under current ownership. The car currently rides on aftermarket five-spoke alloy wheels with new tires, though the original wheels fitted with new tires are available as an alternative.
The rear-mounted 1.6L air-cooled flat-four engine was reportedly rebuilt approximately 20k miles ago and is housed in a detailed engine bay. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. An auxiliary gasoline-powered heater is located in the front trunk compartment under the hood. Mechanical maintenance has been performed to maintain the vehicle in running and driving condition during its tenure in Florida.
The undercarriage consists of factory metal and has not undergone any structural rust remediation, as it was not required according to the seller's notes. The floor pans and chassis components reflect the vehicle's history as a well-preserved example. Suspension and braking systems remain in factory-style configuration, supporting the five-spoke alloy wheel setup.
The interior maintains a utilitarian layout with front bucket seats and a folding rear bench. Controls include the floor-mounted manual shifter and basic instrumentation. The cabin is protected by the removable black soft top and features the standard minimalist door cards and flooring characteristic of the Type 181.
Photo Gallery
-
SellerDealmker
-
Highest Bidderreadesimonds2
-
TotalBids44Bids
-
TotalViews8,285 Views
-
TotalSaves46 Saves
-
-
SellerDealmker
-
Winning Bidderreadesimonds2
-
Total Bids44 Bids
-
Date EndedMay 27, 2026 13:10 PDT
-
SellerDealmker
-
Highest Bidderreadesimonds2
-
Total Bids44 Bids
-
Date EndedMay 27, 2026 13:10 PDT
-
SellerDealmker
-
Highest Bidderreadesimonds2
-
Total Bids44 Bids
-
Date EndedMay 27, 2026 13:10 PDT
Comments & Bid History
Is there a reserve? Where exactly located so I can do ship math to Ohio.
All vehicle descriptions and listings are provided exclusively by the seller and are assumed accurate by the platform without independent verification. Buyers maintain the sole responsibility to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of any description, and independent research and physical inspections must be completed prior to bidding.
The Wrench Report is generated solely for informational purposes and is based on a subjective analysis of information provided by the seller. The contents of the Wrench Report constitute a good-faith opinion only; they do not constitute mechanical advice, professional valuation, or an assurance or guarantee of the vehicle's quality, safety, or condition.
Vehicles may possess latent mechanical, cosmetic, or bodywork defects not visually apparent in photography. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all lots are sold "As-Is, Where-Is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. The sale is conducted between the buyer and seller. Please review our full Terms and Conditions for comprehensive liability terms.
Key Details
- Seller : Dealmker
- Location : Cocoa, FL 32926
- Seller Type : Private
Build Sheet
- VIN: 1833023364
- 1.6L Air-cooled flat-four engine
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Orange urethane basecoat paint
- Original factory body panels
- Folding windshield
- Removable black soft top
- Five-spoke alloy wheels
- New radial tires
- Auxiliary gasoline-powered heater
- Utilitarian front bucket seats
- Folding rear bench seats
- Color-matched custom Sage guitar included
Get the Inside Track
Auctions sent to your inbox daily. No spam.
You're on the List
Thanks for subscribing! Watch your inbox for the latest auctions.
The reserve was not met. We'll reach out to the seller and the bidders to try to make a deal.