10 days ago

Last updated 2 days ago

This 1974 Volkswagen Thing is one of approximately 400 Acapulco Edition examples that were produced in Mexico during a single production year, and it spent six years in the care of the seller’s friend prior to being purchased by the seller in September 2024. A refurbishment conducted during the previous ownership included rebuilding the dual-port 1,835cc flat-four with 92mm pistons, a Pertronix ignition system, dual Weber carburetors, and a Vintage Speed exhaust system. Additional work included a repaint in white and blue, brake work, and reupholstering the seats in black leatherette. Features include a four-speed manual transaxle, 15″ EMPI BRM style wheels, a black soft top, Coco floor mats, and fold-down rear seats. This Type 181 is now offered with service records, a car cover, and a clean California title in the seller’s name.

The car is finished in white with blue accents, and it is said to have been repainted within the last five years. Exterior features include a black soft top, a fold-down windshield, fender-mounted turn signals, and removable doors

The 15″ BRM’s wheels are mounted with Nexen tires, which are said to be newer items. Stopping power is provided by drums at all four corners. The seller notes that the brakes were recently overhauled.

The seating surfaces were reupholstered in black leatherette during the refurbishment process, and spray-on bed line material has been applied to the floors. The battery tray has been replaced. Interior amenities include folding rear seats, Coco floor mats, and a storage basket.

The four-spoke Grant steering wheel frames the 90-mph speedometer, which was rebuilt and set to 0 in May 2022. The five-digit odometer shows 1,400 miles, and total mileage is unknown.


The dual-port flat-four has been modified for a displacement of 1,835cc, and it was rebuilt in December 2021 by Mesa West German Auto Center in Costa Mesa, California. Work included installing 92mm pistons, a Pertronix ignition system, and dual Weber carburetors. The cylinder heads, rod bearings, camshaft bearings, push rod tubes, gaskets, and spark plugs were also replaced at that time, and Vintage Speed exhaust system has been fitted. An external oil cooler and oil filter were added in May 2022.
Power is routed to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transaxle. The clutch and transaxle mounts were replaced in December 2021.