Vehicle Description
STK 3120 1973 Volkswagen Thing
The VW Type 181 was based on a concept developed by Volkswagen
during WWII. It is a 4-door cabriolet with full convertible top,
removable doors and a lay-down windshield. Manufactured in
Wolfsburg Germany, it shared mechanicals with the Type 1 Beetle and
the VW Microbus. The chassis utilizes the floor pan design of the
Karmann Ghia, which was 3" longer than the Beetle. The Type 181 was
available to the civilian market from 1968 to 1983, but exports to
the US were limited to the 1973-74 model years. Total US sales
numbered approximately 25,000 units. Worldwide the Type 181 had a
multitude of brand names, but the US version was dubbed the
'Thing'. Our 1973 'Thing' has been the beneficiary of a full
restoration. An exterior 2-tone respray of 'Carolina Blue' and
Cream White was applied and is in very good condition. The interior
features new black vinyl upholstery, sun visors, an AM/FM/Cassette
stereo system and a rare 12V heater/defroster system. A new softop
has just been installed - no small task. The Type 181 Thing was
equipped from the factory with a 1.6L flat-four powerplant. We do
not have a history on this engine, but it appears stock and sounds
strong. The air-cooled powerplant is backed by a 4-speed manual RWD
transaxle. Brakes are 4-wheel drum and nice radial tires are
mounted on re-furbed factory 15" steel wheels w/chrome caps. Side
covers and additional restoration parts are included in the sale.
This 'Thing' is your ultimate beach cruiser and holds a unique
place in VW lore. ALL VEHICLES SOLD "AS IS".
