1974 Volkswagen Thing
Custom 1,915cc | 4-Speed Manual | 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | New vinyl soft top | Rust-Free Arizona History | Documented Restoration
| Lot # | 7651 |
|---|---|
| Location | Ivoryton, CT 06442 |
| Seller | Private |
 |
8609 Shown |
 |
1915cc flat-four |
 |
4 speed manual |
 |
White with Blue Stripes |
 |
Grey |
 |
1842544423 |
1974 Volkswagen Thing (Type 181) – Custom 1,915cc Engine, 4-Speed Manual, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, Rust-Free Arizona History
This 1974 Volkswagen Thing (Type 181) is a rust-free, Arizona-sourced example of one of the most unconventional utility vehicles ever offered to the North American public. Originally developed in the late 1960s as a lightweight, light-utility transport vehicle for the West German military and NATO forces, the Type 181 drew its direct lineage and minimalist design language from the wartime Kübelwagen. While known globally by names like the Kurierwagen, Safari, and Trekker, its boxy design was dubbed “The Thing” exclusively for its brief two-year American civilian run from 1973 to 1974.
This beautifully restored example stands out with a white exterior with blue racing stripes, a grey convertible top, and a custom grey interior. Featuring a fold-down windshield and removable, interchangeable doors, it is powered by a significantly upgraded, custom-built 1,915cc air-cooled engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. Performance is elevated by a custom Weber carburetor, stainless steel four-wheel disc brakes, a structural roll cage, and custom rugged bumpers. Backing up its exceptional build quality is over $10,000 in professional mechanical restoration and maintenance completed within the last 12 months, with all invoices included in the sale.
Highlights
- Custom-built 1,915cc engine
- Four-wheel stainless steel disc brakes
- Rust-free body with Arizona history
- Over $10,000 in documented mechanical restoration work within the last 12 months
- Clean, operational electrical systems
Engine & Drivetrain
- 1,915cc custom-built flat-four engine
- Custom cylinder heads
- Weber carburetor induction system
- Electric fuel pump equipped with an automatic shut-off safety switch
- Integrated, adjustable fuel pressure valve and monitoring gauge in the engine bay
- Full-flow oil filtration system
- High-torque starter motor
- 75-amp upgraded alternator
- Aftermarket exhaust system
- Kennedy Engineering clutch assembly
- 15-gallon fuel tank relocated to the rear compartment
- 4-speed manual transmission transaxle
Exterior
- White paint finish accented by blue racing stripes
- New Grey vinyl convertible soft top
- New sliding plexiglass side windows
- 15-inch aluminum wheels
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires installed in 2025
- Tire Dimensions: LT215/75R15 (Front) and 31×10.50R15LT (Rear)
- Custom fabricated heavy-duty front and rear bumpers
- Auxiliary driving lights mounted to the front brush guard
- Protective rock slider side steps
Interior
- Grey cloth/vinyl interior upholstery
- Integrated structural cabin roll cage
- Operational dashboard tachometer
- Operational factory turn signals and dashboard instrumentation
- Safety three-point seat and shoulder belts for four occupants
- Blaupunkt AM/FM radio unit
- Custom footwell-mounted audio speakers
Chassis & Suspension
- Stainless steel four-wheel disc brake conversion
- Fully rebuilt front-end assembly
- Integrated front and rear underbody skid plates
- M-1 of Tucson comprehensive underbody protection coating
Additional Info
- Two extra matching front doors (left and right sides) included
- Historical service folder containing invoices documenting the professional restoration work
This custom 1974 Volkswagen Thing combines rare, rust-free Arizona history with over $10,000 in recent professional mechanical upgrades. Featuring a powerful 1,915cc engine, four-wheel disc brakes, and rugged off-road enhancements, it offers a turn-key opportunity to own a highly upgraded, modular piece of automotive history.
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More Info
- Set your own reserve
- Go Live in DAYS
- Keep 100% of the Sale Price
| Current Bid: | $8,000 |
| Time Remaining: | |
| Ending Date: | 09/21/2026 at 1:30 pm EDT |
| Timezone: |
America/New_York |
Item condition: New
Ending On: 09/21/2026 1:30 pm EDT
Timezone: America/New_York
Reserve price has not been met.
Enter Bid
888.472.9696 opt 3
Bidding History
| Bidder Name | Bidding Time | Bid | Auto |
|---|---|---|---|
| ******* | 09/15/2026 1:30 pm EDT | $8,000 | |
| ******* | 09/14/2026 11:14 am EDT | $7,200 | |
| ******* | 09/14/2026 11:13 am EDT | $6,000 | |
| ******* | 09/14/2026 7:58 am EDT | $2,300 | |
| Auction started | 09/14/2026 12:00 am EDT | ||
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