1973 Volkswagen Thing

Thing Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

1833014668

Gasoline

This auction is for a 1973 Volkswagen Thing. The Volkswagen Type 181 convertible is variously known as the Thing, the Trekker, and the Safari. This is a vehicle developed for the civilian market in the 1960's from the Type 82 Kubelwagen used by Germany during WWII as a light field transport vehicle. VW Things were only sold for two years in the US, 1973 and 1974, hence are very collectible. The exterior is Yellow (orig VW color for the period) with matching yellow on dash and interior metal parts, with black vinyl seats and trim, black soft vinyl top and side curtains. The car has a typical VW engine (4 cylinder, which I assume to be the typical VW 1600cc), with a 4spd manual transmission. Odometer shows mileage as 07009, which i can't believe is actual -- I state 100k but that's purely a guess, and actual mileage could be less or more. The previous owner did not use the car as his main vehicle, and I don't either (more a weekend cruiser). I have driven on several hour trips a few times, and the car does just fine. The ultimate surf or "Fun in the Sun" vehicle. Or just load all the kids and enjoy the fun! A must-have car for anyone who collects unique and quirky vehicles. You will get lots of thumbs up and smiles when you cruise around in a Thing... THE GOOD: This 1973 VW "Thing" Convertible is extremely fun to drive. It looks good, the car has recently been repainted in VW yellow of the period. The car was purchased originally at Lee Adams VW in Oakland, CA, and I bought the car here in CA. While I don't have the entire history, it may well have spent its whole life here in CA and consequently doesn't have bad rust for the age and type of vehicle. The engine runs great, starts first turn of they key every time, and it drives good for an old Thing. Clutch and tranny work. Brakes work, including the E-brake. Headlights, emergency flashers work. Nice after-market wheels and newer tires. Original set (of 4) steel wheels/ hubcaps will be included if winning bidder wants them. The doors all open and close perfectly. The rear seats all fold down like they should. Strong pipe type bumpers. Good California title in my name, with current registration thru 2012. Doesn’t need CA smog test. I have the owner’s manual, which looks to be original. I have all 4 lift-out window frames, and the storage bag for them. The tank heater is there, although I've never tried to use it. The undercarriage looks OK to a visual inspection. Seatbelts are there and functional. The convertible top does function and latch. I don't have the history but believe that the engine was either rebuilt or replaced, given how well it runs. NEEDS/ WHAT KEEPS IT FROM BEING PERFECT: Vinyl top is missing the back window, and anyway the top has a few rips and should be replaced (easily available, I see them for $220-350 on various websites). Acrylic in side curtains needs to be replaced ($60-80 for set of 4 acrylic panels here on eBay). Rust on one window frame, but it can still be used. No radio in the car. Have both side mirrors, left one needs to be tightened, the right one may have threads stripped so needs attention. I don't have a hardtop. Appears to be missing one emblem on left fender. Hood latch sometimes sticks, although the two side clips hold it down fine. The guy who repainted addressed most dents/ body issues, but when up close you can see some small dents and ripples still in the front cowl, and there's some corroded metal on the lower edge of front cowl on the passenger side (which i think you can see in the pics). Wipers don't always work, same with the gas gauge. No floor mats. Part of the black carpet is missing (where floor mats would go). Underneath one can see some undercoating is flaking off, and there is some corrosion on the floor pans, although no gaping holes (doesn't appear to be in short term need of pan replacement, maybe small patches). A couple small rips (less than 1") in the right rear seatback vinyl. Missing knob on glovebox. OVERALL, A NICE DRIVER THAT LOOKS PRETTY GOOD AND GETS LOTS OF POSITIVE ATTENTION! Not show condition. Only thing known to be needed in short term is replacing the vinyl top, and the acrylic windows if you plan to use them. And maybe the wipers. You can drive it as is, and add the the things you need (new vinyl top) or want (stereo) as you go. Daily driver Things easily go for $7500+, and my reserve is quite a bit lower than that. But keep in mind you really can't get a decent Thing for less than $5k so don't expect that here either. Shipping not included but will assist buyer's shipper with loading the vehicle. $500 due to my Paypal account 24 hours after winning the auction, remainder payable into my Paypal account before I will ship. I will be glad to answer questions to the best of my ability. Call Pete at 408 768 3706 or email thru eBay. Thanks for viewing my auction! Final notes: Your seller is a middle-aged tech industry guy, have lived in the San Jose area for 13 years. Not a car dealer or mechanic. Would love to keep the Thing (and i might if other stuff sells first!), but some of my toys/ fleet need to go, thus i reluctantly list this cool VW Thing for sale. I will try to tell you anything you want to know about the Thing, including anything that isn't a positive. If you have somebody in the Bay area who can come to have a look at the vehicle, I'd be glad to accommodate that. I am not inclined to ship overseas, although would consider it for Japan.