For Sale: 1974 Volkswagen Thing in Ft Worth, Texas

This 1974 Volkswagen Thing has the look of a car that's a bit meaner than the other VWs. It also helps that there's a fully upgraded flat-four under the hood to make this quite a fun and fierce version of quite a rare classic.


Today we'd call this a crossover, but back in the 1970s the best Volkswagen could do to describe a vehicle like this was all it The Thing. It's a fun part of the Type 181's folklore, but it didn't make it too endearing to the USA. That's why it was only on sale for two years before being pulled from the market. Today that makes for some nice rarity, but it shares enough with the classic Beetle that you can also still get plenty of components and upgrades. And this example really shows it off well. The black and white color combo was well-chosen. The white paint has a timeless appeal. And the black fenders go well with the tubular steel used for the brush guard, hood rack, and roll cage. And we love the look of the outlaw-style EMPI wheels. The best way to see how this is the granddaddy of crossovers is in the custom presentation of the rear end. The sporty upgraded tail lights join the trailer hitch and the Jeep-like full-size spare on a swing-away mount. So it looks like it's ready for fun on the street or trail.


There are some nice upgrades that await you inside. The two-tone upholstery nicely coordinates with the exterior. And we especially like how the upgraded front racing bucket seats are both stylish and useful with the driver's Deist harness. There are other thoughtful details like the wood slat floors and a Porsche-inspired steering wheel. But your overall impression will be about a real driver built for function. You have practical features like an upgraded center gauge cluster, a sports shifter, and an AM/FM/CD stereo. There's even a full hardtop and side curtains for those days when you don't feel like you want to be open to the world.


The engine bay shows off a clean motor that's made to be a better all-around performer. It's upgraded to have a larger 1776cc flat-four. It also includes dual port heads (ported and polished), a more aggressive camshaft, and roller rockers. It's a powerful VW motor, and so it's good you take full control through the four-speed manual transmission. Plus, front disc brakes and a nice set of modern tires give you the right fundamentals for a good cruiser.


Complete with restoration photos, there are improvements you might make along the way to tighten up the suspension or add a few details, but your essentials are always part of the plentiful Beetle catalog. So this VW offers you the robustness and ease of a classic air-cooled machine, but it also gives you added power, rarity, and distinction. That's why for the right classic car fan, you know this is just The Thing. Call today!!!