1974 Volkswagen Thing

1600cc Dual Port

Clear

For sale is a clean 1974 VW Thing. Unfortunately, that was the LAST thing I was looking for! Let me explain ... I bought this Thing locally from a couple who found it while on vacation in CA a few months ago. They toured the state and then towed it home to Austin behind their motorhome. I was looking for a car project to work on with my teenage son, and it may be the first (only?) time I didn't inspect a car before buying it -- the more items in disrepair the better I thought, as it would give us plenty of repairs to solve during the summer. The car is currently registered in CA (tags expire in August) so I figured it was roadworthy, but it was so filthy that I assumed it was like almost every other Thing one sees, more "parts" than car. Just my luck, and to my complete surprise, as I inspected and cleaned I quickly realized that the car needed almost nothing! I have owned many classic VWs, and I can honestly say that this Thing is in exceptional condition, especially given its age. Appears to have undergone a restoration a few years ago, with perfect floorpans and new windows, window frames and door rubber seals. Sapphire III radio (not connected or tested) and Pioneer speakers in custom-made boxes, Hurst lock-out shifter and other items let everyone know this car has been pampered. Typical scratches, dings, and blemishes (see pictures), but drives great and has been professionally maintained by VW specialist shop, the Kombi Haus. Receipts for more than $3,200 for work performed within the last year is included! Apparently, Kombi Haus has replaced F/R brake hoses/shoes/drums/wheel cylinders; replaced master cylinder; bled brakes; repaired/tuned carb; replaced cap/rotor; adjusted valves; torqued lower head studs; replaced vacuum advance; replaced F/R fuel lines and fuel filter; inspected/replaced ignition switch and lock cylinder; and reports an impressive compression check on 5/27/14 of: #1: 135PSI; #2: 145PSI; #3: 140PSI; #4: 140PSI. I'm not a legitimate mechanic, so for overall condition or specific mechanical questions, I'd suggest contacting Kombi Haus in Sacramento, CA: (916) 456-5672. For reference, one of the invoice #s is 20094. Approximately 95% of any paint and bodywork worth repairing is on easily removable parts (fenders, hood, bumpers, doors) and are minor enough to ignore. The top has some stitching giving way above the windows but is very useable as is; there's 1 very small tear in the upper left but is very hard to see because it has black tape over it, and the rear window has stubborn "haze." The original paint color appears to be the olive green (as seen throughout the interior in near-flawless condition). I definitely like the Yellow, and it seems to have been applied professionally, but think the car should be one or the other color. I'm not a big fan of green, but this particular application is a very soothing military shade that suits this car well (especially given its Kubelwagen history), and green is the rarest of the 4 color options for that year. The paint looks as though it could be taken down to the original layer very easily, or simply enjoy it as is. Holistically, the car is a "8-10 footer" that is in fantastic daily driver shape, allowing the car to be enjoyed without worry. The only issue I would consider addressing is a speed wobble. The tires look relatively new, so if it's not an alignment, according to the Thing Shop FAQs (thethingshop.com, a fantastic resource) it's most likely the steering damper that needs replacing. Not a big job, and definitely not enough to justify keeping the car as a "project." The wobble only happens around 35-45mph and then completely disappears, so if you're not planning a cross-country drive in it, you might not even be concerned. Speaking of cross country drives: Once the bidding surpasses $8K, I am offering FREE DELIVERY! All you need to be is within the contiguous USA . If you prefer to drive it home, that's up to you, and I make no warranties. Otherwise, I can work with your shipper and will cover the cost once you complete this transaction and make shipping arrangements. If you want it delivered anywhere in Texas, I'll drive it directly to you at no charge and will pay for my own 1-way airfare home if you agree to meet me at your city's airport. If you have read this far, you probably already know that the Volkswagen Thing is becoming quite collectable. Values have risen dramatically, in part because the Thing only was imported into the US for 2 years (1973-1974), and only 14,733 were produced in 1974. According to Hagerty.com, the average value of a #1 car last December was $27,700. Today, four short months later -- April, 2015 (the most recent figure available), the value for the same car now stands at $42,900!!!!! Ebay rules prevent me from linking directly to it, but for specific value info, go to Hagerty.com -- they have a good historical chart in the Valuation section. This Thing EASILY meets the definition of a #4 car ($12,800, April, '15), and with very little effort could be a #3 ($22,600, April, '15). The average value for a '74 Thing is currently $21,846. Volkswagen Things hold an iconic place in automotive history, but now they are also enjoying the recognition that comes with ownership of a collectible worth owning. As rare as it is for its looks is the fact that you can enjoy DRIVING this unique car while it continues to appreciate in value! After all, VW isn't making any more Things (and there certainly aren't any manufacturers who would dare to imitate it). This is your chance to own a beautiful, very original 1974 VW Thing before it's priced beyond reasonable reach. I've done my best to describe this car, but I'm not a mechanic, and describing it completely is as easy as photographing it in its many positions (top up/down, windows in/out, doors on/off, windshield down/up), so do not hesitate to ask any questions. This is a NO RESERVE auction, and highest bidder wins! Thanks for looking, check my feedback record, and bid with confidence should you decide to bid!