Lot #

6680

Location

Ivoryton, CT 06442

Seller

Private

8609 Shown

1915cc flat-four

4 speed manual

White with Blue Stripes

Grey

1842544423

Opening Bid: $1,000 Starting In:
Questions

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 highly modular vehicle features a white exterior with blue stripes, a grey interior, a fold-down windshield, and removable, interchangeable doors. Power is provided by a significantly upgraded custom-built 1,915cc air-cooled engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. Notable performance enhancements include a custom Weber carburetor, stainless steel four-wheel disc brakes, a structural roll cage, and custom front and rear bumpers. Over $10,000 in professional mechanical restoration and maintenance work was performed within the last 12 months, with 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

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

Exterior

White paint finish accented by blue racing stripes
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

Additional Info

Two extra matching front doors (left and right sides) included
Historical service folder containing invoices documenting the professional restoration work