A few weeks ago, we featured an unusual 1974 VW Thing “Acapulco” edition that was listed for almost $20K. These rare resort vehicles do tend to sell reliably in the mid-teens with some outliers selling for more, so it’s a shock to see one of the mere 400 ever made show up in project-grade condition. Find this barely-recognizable Acapulco edition here on eBay with an opening bid of $2,000 and the reserve unmet. 

The seller says it’s a complete restoration project but that all the necessary parts are included or available via aftermarket suppliers. The interior is torn apart and the iconic Acapulco surrey top is long gone, along with the blue dash. Also missing are the blue-and-white two-tone seats, the color combo which truly set the Acapulco editions apart. Fortunately, the seller has discovered original blue paint hidden beneath the rough white paint job it currently sports.

Is the hidden blue paint proof enough that this is a genuine Acapulco edition? I’ll leave that to you to discuss. Personally, I’d need more evidence beyond some errant blue paint that this is one of a very small batch of special editions. Also missing are the blue painted running boards, one of the distinguishing features of an Acapulco. All of the other traits are purely cosmetic and can easily be reproduced, making it easier if the next owner wishes to convert this example into the real deal. But there, also, lies a challenge: how do you know if someone didn’t simply convert their ordinary Thing to an Acapulco back in the day?

While discovering what looks like the original Acapulco blue paint underneath a poor repaint is exciting, actual heritage will be easier to determine once a production date is known. Acapulcos were produced in the summer months of 1974, so looking for a production date of around June or July of that year could be the most ironclad way to determine if there’s a genuine Acapulco underneath this beaten and bruised exterior.