For sale: a well maintained 1974 Volkswagen Thing with several upgraded parts.  It runs great and is ready for on or off road adventures.

Key Features
-No rust – clean, solid body, and pans
-Soft top and windows are in excellent condition with no yellowing of the plastic.
-1600 standard engine
-Front disk brakes
-15" tires with alloy wheels
-Roll Bar
-Upgrade to gear shifter
-Duck boards 
-Upgraded 14in steering wheel

A great vehicle for RV towing or weekend outings!

Brief History:
The thing was purchased a little over a year ago from a car enthusiast in Tucson that would take vacations in an RV and tow the THING behind it.  According to him, he would take it out in different areas just to enjoy the scenic wilderness.  He purchased it from a collector in California who kept it garaged most of the time.

Maintenance & Upgrades
It has had regular maintenance including routine oil and lube.  This service along with adjusting the valves, replacing gaskets and filters was all completed in the last two months.  Other recent work done in the last two months include...

-New carburetor
-Replaced aluminum intake
-Replaced engine compartment seal
-Replaced fuel hoses
-Adjusted valves and replaced gaskets
-Replaced speedometer cable
-Readjusted wiring for lights.

The Thing can be driven normally, but at the end of the trip, the engine will leak two or three drops, every time!  The owner was told that this is normal for an engine of this age. The car has been driven on both freeways and city streets without a problem. 

Why the owner is selling:
"I originally bought the Thing as something for my friends and I to work on in the off time. It really is a fun vehicle to work on and play with, however my interest has rotated to traveling more, and not spending time in the shop.  That said, I’m hoping to move on to motorcycle vacations for a few years."

***This is a VW Thing Classifieds Full Service listing. We are working very close with the owner to facilitate the marketing and sale of this vehicle. As part of the sale we can also provide secure funds & title transfer via our SecurePay service. Shipping can also be facilitated.
 
Traditional cash pay in person directly to the owner also available with our Private Sale method.  For any questions - you can also contact us by by calling or texting 503-862-8541.

Location

'74 VW Thing - Ready to Roll!

Restomodded Thing w/ Air Conditioning!
Professionally Installed rebuilt Subaru 2.5L w Busaru tuned ECM / harness
KEP engine mount / clutch / flywheel kit w/ additional trans reinforcement
High torque VW starter NEW
Front hidden radiator w dual fans thru custom air spoiler - engine runs at 185 to 195 degrees
all aluminum coolant tubes under vehicle and aluminum box 2X4 for fuel lines and AC lines
Tanks Inc gas tank (carbon fiber heat shielded) with integrated fuel pump
Upgraded aluminum dual master cylinder reservoir
4 wheel disc brakes with emergency brake and new brake lines
4 wheel chrome coil over shocks
all new steering components / new CV shafts / custom trans wrap for strength
Falken 21575R15 Front / 23575R15 rear on factory 15" VW steelies & chrome caps
Painless wiring harness w/ fuse box in glovebox - uses standard VW switches
custom glovebox door / latch
AC / Heat / Defrost - simple controls
New interior - seats / foam, carpet (German Square) and side curtains / bag
custom gauges w/ GPS speedo / fuel / temp, new round stereo w/ Bluetooth and rear speakers
LED headlights and all bulbs - ring in headlights flashes yellow w signals
aftermarket leather wrapped steering wheel
custom solar tinted visors
soft top & frame in good shape - replaced by PO
good paint - painted by PO
great floor pans - no rust - undercarriage painted before upgrades
custom exhaust - no drone, not too loud, good growl!
very smooth ride - much better than stock Thing - easy steering - great braking!
have driven over 90 mph - more available - very quick and fun to drive
125 miles since completion on vehicle

74 VW Thing w Subaru 2.5L & AC

47 years single owner!

Original Acapulco 1974 Volkswagen Thing for Sale. This Volkswagen Thing is one of approximately 400 Acapulco Editions produced for the US market, in the Acapulco configuration.

This may be one of the best examples of an Acapulco THING, that is UNRESTORED. This vehicle has been in our family since June 1978, (our family was the second owner). This car has resided its whole life, in Colorado up until 2019, when it was relocated to KANSAS CITY. The actual mileage is 79,680 miles, and we put all those miles on the car except the first 14,000 miles. This particular Acapulco comes with all 3 tops. (As VW recommended all 3 tops be delivered with the ACAPULCO THING in 1974). 

This THING has the correct GREY(Acapulco only from the factory) removable THING windows which were only produced/sold on an Acapulco THING. All 4 windows have newer clear Mylar soft plastic glass in them. These windows have none of the dreaded opaque cloudy hazing to them.

The tops included with this THING sale, is as follows:

#1 Top-Around the year 2015-we replaced the factory convertible soft top-by upgrading to a premium THING SHOP white convertible top and their reinforced premium TOP FRAME/BOWS, both were purchased and installed by the THING SHOP. These were purchased new and installed at the THING SHOP, in Chandler AZ, on this THING’s last visit to Arizona. In our ownership this THING has had a white convertible top on it 90% of the time we have owned it.

#2Top- OEM VW hard top (Factory option #ZVW 175 101-this was painted in blue prior to our purchased( it does have some white marks showing through)-Since it appears this car was a slow seller and didn’t get sold until 1975-we believe but cannot confirm that the original VW dealer, Vern Hagestad, in Denver CO, painted the hard top blue-to help sell the car)- as this is the ONLY Acapulco THING, I have ever seen with a Blue Hard top-all of the other Acapulco’s had WHITE hard tops).

#3 Top-The final top is the Acapulco “surrey” top which was made only for an Acapulco THING. In our ownership-Even though this surrey top has the blue white stripes on it, this surrey top has never been installed on this car. The Surrey top frame is structurally good, but the fabric of the top itself is in very poor condition (see photos).

Despite trying to describe this car as accurately as possible… this car, is not perfect, it does have some nicks and chips as our family drove this THING for many years as our daily driver.

Despite the excellent condition of this car, as I previously stated the car has NOT BEEN RESTORED. Windshield is still the original glass which does have some bull’s eyes in it (2). These bulls’ eyes were acquired in the last 20 years when the THING was being towed back and forth out of Arizona to escape the winters of Colorado. (Probably 1/3 of the total miles on the car (23,000) are from these trips are going to and from Arizona out of Colorado. 

This THING was towed by my father, to and from Arizona, and was always towed with the VW style tow bar, on all 4 wheels. (Thus, the speedometer was NEVER disconnected). The windshield unfortunately was not covered, during some of the tows, and it suffered damage at some point.

Engine is a 1.7 liter, yes it is no longer a 1.6 liter. Engine was rebuilt around 70,000 miles. It was decided then to upgrade the cc’s a bit by having 88 mm Mahle/Cima pistons/cylinders, not the cheaper more common 87mm “slip ins”, installed. These 88mm’s were NOT the slip in variety. Engine displacement is now, 69mm x 88 mm or 1.7 liters. Stock distributor and carb/cam/exhaust were all retained. Nothing else in the engine was modified. The engine retains its original STOCK THING “AM” engine block, as well. This THING retains ALL of the THING ONLY FACTORY skid plates and covers as well.

Transmission in this car is the standard 4 speed VW THING transaxle. Drum brakes at all 4 corners stop this THING.

As one would expect on a well preserved survivor…

This THING comes with its ORIGINAL 2 VW OEM Black Master Keys, and the original Owners Manual, showing the first purchaser back in spring of 1975. 

This THING runs and drives great. See cold start up video.

Both of the lower front seat covers have been replaced, however the rest of the “striped” blue and white interior is original. For the last 40 years, this car has always been garaged, other than when being driven.

Battery tray area has never rotted out or been replaced. Pan of this THING is original to this car. This VW pan has never had any replacement sections installed. This Pan has only surface rust. No rust through holes on this pan.

The rear fenders have been repainted, and are not of the same paint quality as the rest of the car.

Wiring on this car is original. It isn’t butchered or hacked up.

Paint on the car is 85-90% original. The only paint not original on the car(other than the rear fenders) is the front white/cream area where the license plate goes. This area was repainted (due to rock chipping), when the left front fender got a “ding” in a parking lot (so both the left front fender and the front nose were repainted at that point). Both rear fenders have had some paint work done (pretty obvious), otherwise the paint on this car is original. Rear bumper was replaced and painted as described below.

The only real accident damage on the car is where the previous owner backed into a “low” pole and pushed the left rear bumper upward and caused damage to the left interior sheet metal in the engine compartment. We replaced the rear bumper and chose not to do any further repairs (the only damage really seen is in the engine compartment).

2 other areas to note damage. The driver’s and rear drivers door both received some damage when they were “off’ of the car by a careless person handling the doors. (See photos).

In its 51 years of existence, to the best of my knowledge these are the only accidents/damage this car has ever had.

Running Boards are present/correct as would be only fitted to an Acapulco THING, as delivered from VW.

Car comes with the original VW AM radio, and a factory fitted cigarette lighter (VW option code ZVW 171 109).

This Car also comes with the VW Bumper guards, front and rear.

All 4 tires on the THING were replaced in 2019.

Another piece of originality-The original (1974) spare tire, is included, it’s a BF Goodrich (Euzkadi) radial, which is original to the car, it appears brand new and was obviously never rotated into the tires being driven ,all 4 tires were BF Goodrich (Euzkadi) when we bought this THING, just like this spare.

To the best of my knowledge, all sheet metal on this car is original.

A clean Kansas Title in the owner’s name is what you shall receive.

Car comes with the original hubcaps (very good-to excellent condition) even though they haven’t been on the car in over 40 years.

***This is a VW Thing Classifieds Full Service listing. We are working very close with the owner to facilitate the marketing and sale of this vehicle. As part of the sale we are also providing secure funds transfer via escrow as well as title transfer. Shipping can also be facilitated – should the need for that arise.

You can also contact us by calling/texting 503-862-8541.

Survivor Acapulco THING!

Up for sale is a beautifully maintained 1974 Volkswagen Thing in excellent condition. This classic VW runs great and is ready for cruising, shows, or weekend adventures.
🏁 Key Features:
-No rust – clean, solid body, and pans
-Soft top and windows are in excellent condition with no yellowing of the plastic.
-1600DP motor with dual Webers, Petronix Distributor, MST serpentine belt system
Fun, unique, and always turns heads, and stainless steel exhaust
-Disk brakes
-15" tires with alloy wheels
-Roll Bar
-LED headlights
-Hella fog lights
-Shoulder belts
-Vintage Speed gear shifter
-Duck boards 
-Volante' 14in steering wheel
If you've been looking for a clean, dependable Thing, this one is ready to go!

***This is a VW Thing Classifieds Full Service listing. We are working very close with the owner to facilitate the marketing and sale of this vehicle. As part of the sale we are also providing secure funds transfer via escrow as well as title transfer. Shipping can also be facilitated – should the need for that arise.

You can also contact us by calling/texting 503-862-8541.

Volkswagen Thing 1974

Priced to Sell!! 1974 VW Thing in excellent condition. $17,500 OBO

This lovely Thing Type 181 has always been stored in a garage. Engine was upgraded to 2007cc.

Orange color with black interior. The entire inside has sprayed-on truck bed liner for easy washing after a day at the dunes or out having fun. The Suspension has been lifted and has oversized tires with custom rims in good condition.

The interior floors, front and back, have tan woven sisal and wood floor mats. The hood area and the boot space (where the top folds down) also have woven sisal mats.

The cream-colored soft top is in good condition. No rips and has never needed a repair. The top folds back and latches easily for convertible driving.

The doors detach and the windshield folds down with ease and no issues.

The doors have all the components and currently have removable glass windows in excellent condition. There is also a complete set of soft curtain windows included, along with some additional parts.

The orange exterior paint is in great condition except for a few minor chips.

The transmission and brakes are good, exactly what you would expect from a Thing.

88,300 miles

This is an incredibly fun vehicle; it gets lots of attention anywhere you take it. Very well loved and taken care of.

74 VW Thing - Beach Cruiser Extraordinaire!

ORIGINAL VW THING  PARTS 1973-1974 SHIPPING IS AVAILABLE +$
INQUIRE FOR AVAILABILITY AND PRICE OR SEE THE SAMBA LINK

HARD TOP ROOFS ARE AVAIL BOTH FACTORY AND AFTERMARKET 
NO SHIPPING UNLESS YOU WANT TO SPEND $$$$

VW THING PARTS

1974 Acapulco Thing Price: $17,500 LESS SURREY TOP
It's Tiki 1974 VW Thing Acapulco Addition 1 Of Only Of 400 Made 
67K Miles 
1600 CC Air Cooled Motor Dual Weber 34 ICT Carbs Tri Mill Exhaust
Rebuilt Motor By PO
Alternator W/ Battery Isolation Switch
This Car Lived In Southern California Most Of It's Life In A Desert Environment
Very Minimal Light Body / Patina Rust. Body Was Wet Sanded Then Coated With Poppy's Patina
Hood Exterior Recently Professionally Bead Blasted, Epoxy Primer, Sanded And Painted New Satin Acapulco Blue
Rear Package Tray Area Recently Prepped & Painted
2" Narrowed Lowered Adjustable Bug Beam
Rear Adjustable IRS Spring Plates Lowered
OG Seats Low Back Buckets In Front
Freshly Blasted & Powder Coated Stock Thing Rims Alien Silver
New Yokohama 195/60/14 Tires
O.G. Factory Running Boards
Reinforced Front Bumper With Tow Bar Setup
Great Pans
Garage Kept Out Of Elements
Auto Transport Can Be Arranged
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2772559

1974 Acapulco Thing O.G. Cali Car

1974 VW Thing convertible. 4 Speed Manual Trans. Green Exterior Black Interior. Car has new paint, new interior, new carburetor and fuel pump. Bran new entire floor pans, new battery, new convertible top, motor and transmission run good. New tires and hub caps. New lights all around. New exhaust muffler. Car has no rust. Comes with side curtains and storage bag.

74 VW Thing For Sale

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1972 Volkswagen Thing

VW Thing with 1700cc dual carbs and high speed trans. Wide mag rims with new tires.

VW Thing

Fresh 1650cc ,center lines Hurst shifter ,front disc brakes new master cylinder ,new clutch,needs carburetor has new gas tank