This rare Acapulco Edition Volkswagen Thing is one of just 400 examples made by Volkswagen of Mexico. The blue-and-white color scheme and matching interior is perhaps one the more distinctive models ever made, but also a totally acceptable look for a beach buggy like the Thing. This model was commissioned after VW executives saw a report in Mexico using Things in the same color scheme as transport vehicles for guests of the hotel, and they somehow managed to convince Volkswagen to make a small batch for dealer distribution. This particular example is quite rusty and tired, but I’m sure a VW enthusiast is still weighing the cost of restoration as we type. Find the Thing here on eBay with a $15,000 Buy-It-Now and the option to submit a best offer.
It’s funny: the storyline behind the Acapulco Edition’s creation is very similar to a story a friend told me about the original Eurovan appearing stateside. He claims a team of VW executives visiting the factory in Germany saw the Eurovan (known as the T4 or Transporter overseas) and made impassioned pleas for VW to sell it stateside. I have no idea if that’s true, but it’s interesting to see the parallels in history between that model and the brightly-colored Thing. The same resort in Mexico that created this classic beach buggy would also go on to commission a second batch in pink-and-white, some of which have popped up for sale over the years.
It’s hard to tell just how rough this VW Thing is. The body is clearly battered and has plenty of surface rust, but I’m wondering if it’s really all that trashed. Like any old air-cooled, I’m sure the floors are trashed, but seeing the original interior still in good shape (certainly restorable, at least) makes me wonder if the Thing is more solid than it appears. The upholstery is almost as important as the exterior paint, as both details are what makes this air-cooled VW so unique. The asking price is tough to judge, as restored or preserved examples sell pretty reliably in the upper 20s and low 30s, so if it’s not completely rotten, you may be in a good place with an offer of $10,000.
No word on the health of the engine, but at least it’s there. One of the reassuring aspects of restoring an air-cooled VW is that so many of these are on their second or third engines that the whole matching-numbers nonsense is a non-factor. In some cases, it may even be more cost feasible over the long-run to just drop in a fully sorted engine rather than spending hours trying to refurbish a tired unit. Whatever you do, make sure this rare VW Thing stays true to its original colors and resides somewhere tropical, as it’d be a shame to keep it holed up somewhere that it snows for six months out of the year. Have you ever seen one of these rare VW Things in the flesh?
I worked on one of these when I was cutting my teeth as a tech. I didn’t think the Acapulco was brought in from Mexico. VW sold the Thing in the US from 73 to 74 it would seem weird they spent the money to import only 400 from Mexico. I seem to remember the vinyl top was blue and white as well. At least that’s what I remember about the customer car. My boss was all hyped up about how special it was. I on the other hand shrugged my shoulders and thought whatever. I did however like the VW 412 hatchback that I worked on. They were never sold in the US.
Put 43K miles on our ’73. A little paint fixing, new top, roll bar and wider wheels and away we went. Lot of fun and pretty quick with the the subtle tweaking of the engine. Can’t tell what condition the chassis is in but if it’s solid they are worth rebuilding and tons of fun.
All Things sold in the US in 73/74 were produced in Mexico.
The resort not mentioned is the Hotel Las Brisas Acapulco.
I had one in 1984 I purchased locally that was well kept. It did well for a few years before I sold it. That it was an Acalpolco was nothing special when I found it.
Is that rust or barnacles?
I own a 73 Thing we are bringing back from the dead down here in the British Vigin Isands post Hurricane Irma and Covid. Looking at this , even with current Thing prices, he is out of his league. It does not have the Acapulco Surrey Top and the rest of it needs a total restoration..you might as well start with a good solid Thing and do an Acapulco conversion with help from The Thing Shop.
Located in Adolphus, Kentucky
For parts not working.
This, or the Porsche 912 that currently stands at 15K. I know where I’d spend my money.