This 1974 Volkswagen Thing was sold new by Jack Duncan Volkswagen in Killeen, Texas, and is said to have been placed in storage by its original owner from 1978 until 2013 when it was sold. It spent time with multiple owners before being acquired on BaT in February 2022, by the seller who added approximately 200 of its 4,700 miles shown. Subsequent work included overhauling the brake system, performing an oil change and valve adjustment, and replacing the tires, spark plugs, points, condenser, and fan belt. The body is finished in Sunshine Yellow over black leatherette upholstery and is powered by an air-cooled 1.6L flat-four paired with a four-speed manual transaxle. Equipment includes a black convertible soft top and side curtains, dual side-view mirrors, a fold-down windshield, removable doors, folding rear seats, and 14″ steel wheels with chrome hubcaps. This Type 181 is now offered with copies of initial purchase documents, manufacturer’s literature, a tool roll, parts receipts, and a clean California title in the seller’s name.
The body is finished in Sunshine Yellow with black “The Thing” side graphics and is equipped with a black convertible soft top and replacement side curtains. Additional exterior details include a fold-down windshield, removable doors, fender-mounted turn signals, dual side-view mirrors, and aftermarket rubber bumperettes.
Steel 14″ wheels wear chrome VW-stamped hubcaps and are mounted with 27×8.50″ General Grabber A/T tires that were installed under current ownership. Stopping power is provided by drums at all four corners. The brake master cylinder, wheel cylinders, hoses, shoes, and hardware were replaced under current ownership.
The front bucket seats and folding rear seats are trimmed in black leatherette, while additional interior elements include a passenger grab handle, perforated rubber floor mats, a cabin heater, front shoulder belts, and rear lap belts.
The four-spoke steering wheel features a Wolfsburg crest center cap and frames a 100-mph speedometer with an inset fuel-level gauge. The five-digit mechanical odometer shows 4,700 miles, approximately 200 of which have been added under current ownership.
The air-cooled 1.6L flat-four was factory rated at 46 horsepower and 72 lb-ft of torque. A photo of the engine stamp is presented in the gallery. Service under current ownership included an oil change, carburetor and valve adjustments, and replacement of the spark plugs, points, condenser, and fan belt.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transaxle.