For Sale: 1973 Volkswagen Thing in Hingham, Massachusetts

Zoom Classic Cars proudly presents this beautifully restored 1973 Volkswagen Thing (Type 181), showing under 46,000 miles on the odometer and finished in an eye-catching bright orange that perfectly complements the fun, adventurous personality of one of Volkswagen's most recognizable and collectible vehicles. Having undergone a comprehensive restoration, this Thing presents in overall excellent condition throughout and has been carefully maintained, always garaged, and driven sparingly on fair-weather weekends. It is offered with a clean Massachusetts title in the owner's name.Originally developed for the West German military as the Type 181, the Volkswagen Thing was adapted for civilian use and imported to the United States for only the 1973 and 1974 model years, making American-market examples relatively scarce today. Sharing its proven mechanical foundation with the legendary Beetle while incorporating rugged Transporter suspension components, the Thing earned a reputation for simplicity, durability, and unmistakable character. Its removable doors, folding windshield, convertible top, and hose-it-out practicality made it unlike anything else on the road, and today it enjoys a devoted following among collectors seeking something truly unique. (Hemmings)This example has been refinished in brilliant orange inside and out, with excellent paint quality throughout. The body is straight and solid, with excellent panel fit and finish that showcases the crisp, utilitarian styling that has made the Thing an icon. A new black convertible top complements the vibrant exterior while providing excellent weather protection when needed.The interior has been restored to the same high standard and features black vinyl bucket seats fitted with attractive wool seat covers in the front, along with matching fold-down rear bench seating. The dashboard, controls, switches, flooring, and interior trim all present beautifully, creating a clean and inviting cabin that stays true to the Thing's minimalist design philosophy.Power comes from a newly rebuilt air-cooled 1.6-liter (1,585cc) horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine, producing approximately 46 horsepower and 78 lb-ft of torque. The engine compartment has been meticulously detailed and painted, reflecting the quality of the restoration. The engine is paired with Volkswagen's dependable 4-speed fully synchronized manual transmission, delivering the engaging driving experience enthusiasts have appreciated for decades.The restored drivetrain starts easily, runs smoothly, and performs exactly as intended. According to the owner, everything works properly, and the vehicle drives exceptionally well, making it equally suitable for weekend cruises, local shows, or beach-town adventures. One of the Thing's most practical features is its generous front luggage compartment, which remains exceptionally clean and houses a full-size spare tire, new fuel tank, and new fuel sending unit. Combined with additional rear cargo space, the Thing offers surprising utility while maintaining its unmistakable open-air character. The Volkswagen Thing has experienced steady appreciation over the past several years as collectors continue to recognize its rarity, quirky styling, and enjoyable driving experience. Exceptional, professionally restored examples consistently command premium prices, particularly those retaining excellent cosmetics and mechanical condition like this example. Whether you're adding a distinctive Volkswagen to your collection, searching for a unique weekend cruiser, or looking for one of the most recognizable utility vehicles ever produced, this beautifully restored 1973 Volkswagen Thing checks every box. Its vibrant color, excellent cosmetic presentation, freshly rebuilt drivetrain, and careful ownership make it an outstanding example of one of the most charming and entertaining classics of the 1970s. Stored in MA with clean title in the owner's name. Call Jeff for additional information or to schedule a viewing. Thanks for Looking.