1973 Volkswagen Thing

Make: Volkswagen

Model: Thing

Type: Convertible

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

By Chris Esparza

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.