In 1968, Volkswagen recycled its Kubelwagen military vehicle into a civilian vehicle that became known as the Thing when it finally hit our shores in 1973. The Thing almost defies description. It’s not an SUV, it’s not a truck, and it’s certainly not a sports car though it is sporty. With two-wheel rear drive, a convertible top, a corrugated body that sloped away from the folding windshield, removable doors, and a hose-it-out interior, the Thing was geared for fun. However, it was also expensive. Only about 25,000 Things were sold in the US before safety regulations rendered the car untenable for our market. Here on craigslist is a Sunshine Yellow 1974 Volkswagen Thing looking for a new home. The asking price is $12,000 and the vehicle is in St. Charles, Missouri. The car has been stored since 2009, and that’s when it last ran. We have Pat L. to thank for this tip!
The Thing is powered by a 1.6-liter rear-mounted air-cooled four-cylinder engine mated to a full synchromesh four-speed manual transmission. Performance was not sparkling: the Thing meandered from zero to sixty in over twenty-three seconds. While this car hasn’t been started in over a decade, it was tuned before storage. At the same time, it received new struts, tires, brakes, and a fresh fuel tank. Too bad about the tires – even with no wear, ten years is on the aged side for rubber. The odometer reads 75,000 miles. It is tempting to think Things share Beetle parts but this is not completely true. Thing motors and transmissions are stamped differently; Thing differentials are heavy-duty for off-road use. Here’s a list of Thing-specific parts for the intrepid Thing-restorer.
The interior is as basic as can be. You got a speedometer with an inset fuel gauge, a steering wheel, seats, and rubber mats on the floor. This example has after-market carpets. It also has chrome bumpers; the originals were painted. The interior is really in fine condition, bespeaking good storage practices. The sale includes a bag to store the windows, a convertible top boot, and a spare passenger window. The rear window is yellowed, but a good upholsterer can replace that piece.
Here’s the car resembling an origami project, and also not looking particularly safe. While safety regulations killed the Thing, they also served to limit supply. Now, in an era of expensive Broncos, Scouts, and FJ40s, Things are seeing a sustained rise in prices. It’s not unusual to find examples selling for $25,000, making this one look like a relative bargain. Could this cheerful Thing light up a corner of your garage?
Owned a ’73 for many years. Brought it back up to as new status and used it for work and play. Did put a roll bar kit into it which I’d advise any owner to do. They give improved side protection and the obvious roll over protection. They are wide enough to be very stable so as to limit the use of the roll over protection. Love the yellow on this one. We are building our 3rd race car with the Sunshine Yellow color on it. Crew chief says it just sounds bright.
I always thought this was such a weird car, but it was still something to like. I think this would make a great golf cart.
I don’t feel safe looking at that last picture. :)
That aside, when Katrina came ashore in Waveland, Miss in 2005, my friends Thing literally ended up balancing on a chain link fence with the front end tires on the ground.
He always regretted selling it.
I’d like to buy it, do the aforementioned roll bar and an electric conversion.
GONE.
Seemed like a good deal for one of these.
My uncle had a orange one when we were kids. He would set up like the last photo and load his 3 kids and me up in it. Never lost a one if us. Tons of fun. Only time it scared me was when the gas heater wooshed on. Was certain it would blow up every time.
Had a home in Mazatlan Mex. for almost 10 years and always wanted one of these or a nice Dune Buggy, there were quite a few , but I never found the right one. If you have ever been to Mazatlan you have seen their Cabs. They are called Pullmanias and they are basically modified VW Dune Buggies. So VW parts etc. are available. As far as I know Mazatlan is the only city in Mexico that has Pullmanias. Know some of the history but not sure why you don’t see them in other Cities.
Hi Joe, yes I think Mazatlan is the only city with them.
Acapulco had their version but those were an official model through VW.
I see Safaris for sale all the time but values are going way up for a nice one even in Mexico.