This 1974 VW Thing is just how a Thing should look: tired, weatherd paint, knobby tires and a vintage motif on the removable doors. Freshly-painted Things are a major turn-off for yours truly, as adventure vehicles and beach cruisers are never meant to be pristine. This example wears an old flower shop’s branding on the doors and is said to be mechanically excellent. Find it here on eBay with a $15K Buy-It-Now.
The seller claims to be a long-time owner of this Thing, which hails from the Laurel Canyon region in the Hollywood Hills. The yellow painted ring on the wheels may not be to everyone’s liking, but the paint combination at least works. The VW is said to be rust-free and looks perfect with its tired paint. Thankfully, the work the seller has done is all underneath to ensure its vintage aesthetic is preserved.
The interior may indicate the military-green paint is original. Check out the OEM-correct duckboard flooring – the seller is quick to point out that’s original, too. The seats are nothing fancy but the vinyl surfaces are in nice shape. The seller promises the minimal electronics work, including the cigarette lighter. The only rust noted is a 2″ hole in the battery tray; otherwise, it’s said to have a solid chassis and body.
Now we get to where the money was spent: the engine was rebuilt by apparently renowned VW engine builder Bob Blackwell, and the transmission was rebuilt by a company called Transaxle Engineering (both are referenced as notoriously good mechanics, so we’ll leave it to the VW faithful to determine if that’s indeed true). Accreditations aside, the Thing is said to run beautifully and shift perfectly, bringing together the best of both worlds outside and in.
Love the Thang. Have always wanted one
Oh santa…Tasker? Todd Z?
the 15 k must be in monopoly money
or 1984 deutch-marks.
Pesos
Venezuela bolivars.
Crazy, baby
That $15k took my breath away too. It’s a cool convertible, surely a conversation starter around town, & at shows, but.. $15k seems overly ambitious.
nutting like a good “thing” to make one appreciate VW’s other accomplishments ……..
still a bit peevish they had to F with the formula that made them famous
There is visible sill rust in the pictures.
Just not my “thang.”
So neat !! I love this site!!
I had a friend decades ago that had one painted purple with Purple People Eater painted down the rocker panels …. it might have looked like Grimace from Sesame Street but it was cool ~!! Plus what else looks like the THING on the streets???
The Grimace was a McDonald’s character, not a Muppet. There was Mayor McCheese, The Hamburglar, and those little mushroom-looking critters. How sad is it that I know that?
The Fry Guys!
And don’t forget the Hamburgler!
It’s cool but not $15 K cool
Jeff, I disagree with you about the exterior. I would bring it back to original with Military Tan top and side curtains. I can also live without yellow wheels. If the thing is mechanically as straight as the Seller says I still think the price is too high but it’s hard to beat.
Over priced but he’ll probably get it. Getting scarcer. I had a chance to buy a pink one a few years ago for $1000. Looked like a rolling ad for pepto-bismol!
The Grimace was a McDonald’s character, not a Muppet. There was Mayor McCheese, The Hamburglar, and those little mushroom-looking critters. How sad is it that I know that?
What these really need is the orbital axles like the original WWII Kubelwagens.
Did thing 1 or thing 2 from dr zeus sign the glove box?
While I like these cars I would pay 15 k on a train, roof or couch as I just don’t like 15k on price :-0