I read an interview with an executive from the automotive industry who stated that one of the most challenging aspects of vehicle development is devising a name for the new model destined for the showroom floor. Invoking an emotional response is often a consideration, which is why companies chose names like the Mustang, Stingray, and Barracuda. It may also explain why many producers now lumber their cars with number designations. It eliminates a potential can of worms if the badge doesn’t translate favorably into certain languages. Volkswagen released a new recreational model to the American buying public in 1973, naming it The Thing. It remained on sale for two years, and this first-year example features fresh paint and virtually no rust. That makes it worth a close look for anyone seeking a quirky classic.
Whenever I think of Thing, I am reminded of the disembodied hand featured in the 1960s TV sitcom The Addams Family. I often wonder whether others feel the same or if I sit alone on that front. Volkswagen released its Type 181 as a military vehicle in 1968, but it wasn’t long before civilian production commenced. It landed in North America for the 1973 model year but was gone by the end of 1974. This Thing wears Bright Orange paint, and the owner recently repainted its exterior. They didn’t perform a complete refresh, with the mismatch on the doors confirming those panels escaped their attention. However, its presentation is acceptable for a driver-grade classic. Rust is always a consideration with these cars, and this gem has surprisingly little. A fairly rough patch under the battery requires tweaking and a few small bubbles have developed in the lower body. Otherwise, the seller states it is rock-solid. Before scrolling through their images, I read the description and admit I wasn’t sure about combining a Blue bikini top with the Orange paint. It works remarkably well, and while it won’t provide adequate protection in extreme weather, the included window inserts help its cause. The trim looks acceptable for a driver-grade classic, and the windshield is clear.
Volkswagen wasn’t adventurous with the Thing’s mechanical specifications, adopting a drivetrain layout that served it well for decades. Powering this classic is a rear-mounted 1,585cc air-cooled flat-four delivering 46hp and 72 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transaxle, and although the figures suggest less than sparkling performance, the curb weight of a mere 2,006 lbs makes these cars surprisingly lively. Unfortunately, the seller supplies no information on how this car runs and drives, but it sits on new tires. They appear approachable if interested parties wish to ask questions. It is worth remembering that these aren’t mechanically sophisticated vehicles. Therefore, most maintenance tasks are within the reach of a competent person in a home workshop.
Life inside a Thing represents motoring at its most basic, so potential buyers shouldn’t start hunting for air conditioning, cruise control, or a banging stereo. This VW features the gas heater option, but that’s it. Only the seats receive upholstery, and the floors are painted steel. The vinyl is in good order, and carpet sets are available if the buyer wishes to add a splash of luxury. The painted surfaces show wear and aging, and I would probably refresh these to lift the overall presentation. That would also provide an ideal opportunity to repaint the doors to achieve consistency across the entire vehicle. However, it is serviceable, and those tasks could wait until winter arrives.
The seller listed this 1973 Volkswagen Thing here on eBay in Carbondale, Illinois. Their BIN of $13,250 aligns with current market expectations, although their willingness to consider offers might allow someone to secure this classic for less. Its rust issues are minor, which is unusual, and addressing them with a DIY approach is feasible. If a quirky drop-top has been on your radar, maybe this is your new car.
I feel like this should have been a 60hp, but it could be that the 1600 maxed out and dropped some power with smog controls. There aren’t many really nice Things left, so if you want one, this is probably fair. I’ve never ridden in one but I can only imagine how loud it must be.
I wanted one of these when they were $2500 and nobody could give them away. Never got around to it, and saw the value of all things VW go out of range. From what I’ve seen on The Samba, this is a good buy. Probably not a great daily driver, but for sure a fun weekender. If it were closer, I would be tempted. Never owned a classic air cooled and was always intrigued.
Patty and Selma drove a Thing through the entire Simpsons series, their license plate was MANH8TR. Where’s the freakin’ air cleaner? It’s like driving a truck with a bent bumper, or walking around with your zipper down, it just grinds my gears to see that. These were another in a half baked attempt to derail Bug owners, there were other VWs. Too bad memories of high ranking German officials riding in Kubelwagens, didn’t help the image. That and the name, what brainchild thought that up? Did VW really think Americans were that dumb, to go for a vehicle called the Thing. A Rabbit was bad enough. Poster child for a swing and a miss.
Another way off post from Howard. Owned one as well as other VW’s from my early teens up – not real loud. We – the USA had already sold out to Japan – remember those guys – long before these came out with better products we bought and put smiles on our faces. Did you forget about the BMW cars that we were buying before these came out ? What ever tragedy happens it is soon forgotten
Back to the Thing….this is really a nice one – has the side curtins which do get lost over time….good ones are hard to find like it says – in the market – I give it a buy !
Not sure why I even respond to a post like yours, I suppose to be cordial, you did take the time to lambast me once again. You spend more energy with your personal attacks, I thought forbidden, than the actual vehicle presented. You know, I come from a time where a member of something, meant something. We were all part of a group, we pay money to be here and honored each others opinions not criticize them.
We, in the Beer City NEVER saw a BMW car, and soon forget? Good heavens, this time it is you that are way off. I suggest you do something else.
Had a ’73 as a daily diver and shop car in the ’80s. Trimmed the ankle buster bumpers, had some 7″ wheels made, repainted the fenders, new top, roll bar and hit the streets. Fun to drive, especially with the approximately 85hp engine we built for it.
Nice to see a positive comment! I remember these when i was a young teen. The last time I saw one was at a local car show 5 or 6 years ago, and it wasn’t in as good condition as this one. I’d like to see one driving around sometime, maybe down at the beach.
I have always liked these,but then again I owned a 74 Levis Gremlin, so obviously no taste.
hey Phil, A ’74 levi Gremlin is so rad !!!
I also thought these things were cool in
a dune buggy sort of way.
I bought one of these in 1983 for my son’s 16th birthday and he promptly turned up his nose, and said several years later he wished he had it. It was a fun vehicle to drive on the dirt roads around Hutchinson Ks.
I’m in the “Can’t believe anyone would want it” camp. I rode in one around 1980 when I was in the cub scouts, our leader had one. It felt like riding in a motorized shopping cart with a canvas roof.
I knew my father didn’t love me when he bought this from a neighbor and loaned it to me in college for my drives back and forth from central New Jersey to Pittsburgh. Driving on the PA turnpike I’d have to get in the draft behind a tractor trailer in order to make it up the hills and also to have the splash act as a windshield washer when those failed. The thing had no power, no insulation, heated my right knee and cut off both knees if you failed to put your right leg in first to get around the oversized steering wheel. That said the few joy rides I took in it were fun on spring days, it beat taking a bus to go food shopping, and I got innumerable amounts of comments about me and my orange thing “Maxie, show us your orange thing…” I have no longing to experience it again but yes, it provided memorable cold six hour rides with two sleeping drunk art students in the back seat on holiday runs back home.
“Thank You Thing.”
Several friends had these when I lived down on a couple of islands off the Yucatan Peninsula. Fun to drive or ride in. No it’s not a modern freeway car, it’s simple and functional. Great if you live in a coastal or small community type place. I think kids would love riding in it. If I didn’t have three El Caminos right now I’d consider buying this. May end up listing one or two on here soon.
No 2 door available, but a convertible was? Crazy.
Could you get these or Dreyfuss’s CV2 with a/c? Maybe not.
Which would be faster?