Vehicle Details
- Year: 1974
- Make: Volkswagen
- Model: Thing
- VIN: 1842542278
- Mileage: 31,866mi (TMU)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Registration (Lien)
- Color: Torch Red
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Englewood, CO 80112
- Lot #: V-0027811
Available for auction is this 1974 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing finished in Torch Red over a grey and black interior. Originally developed as a utility vehicle for the West German Army, the Volkswagen Type 181 was instead marketed towards civilians and was offered as the “Thing” in the United States. This example was acquired by the seller approximately 7 years ago from its long-time owner of over 20 years. It features an upgraded 2.8L 4-cylinder engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel disc brakes, a 3” lift, a 700-watt CD stereo system, a custom fabricated roll bar and bumpers, and much more. A winner of numerous awards and accolades, this Type 181 is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Colorado.
This Type 181 was refinished while under previous ownership in its current shade of Torch Red. It has been fitted with widened fender flares to accommodate larger tires, and the doors, engine lid, and body side rear air intakes have been lovered for better cooling. The finish is said to remain in excellent overall condition, and a new convertible soft top has been fitted. Details include removable side windows, a folding windshield, and custom bumpers. The wheels come dressed in a newer set of Firestone Radial ATX tires, and the seller notes that an extra set of 15” aluminum wheels dressed in sand paddle tires will accompany the sale as well.
The cabin has been redone in grey and black upholstery with red accents and features front bucket seats fitted with Simpson 5-point racing harnesses. Details include an aftermarket shifter, pedals, and steering wheel, a 700-watt multi-speaker CD stereo with a waterproof marine remote, custom-made leather-lined carrier pouches for the windows, and an alarm system with a Doppler motion sensor. The seller confirms that gauges, electronics, and accessories remain functional.
Power comes from an upgraded 2.8L 4-cylinder engine which is said to produce as much as 189 HP. The engine features 44 CFM carburetors, braided steel oil lines with coolers, an upgraded intake, custom-fabricated ceramic headers, and electric auxiliary fans with four independent oil radiators. The rear wheels are driven by way of a Volkswagen Type II Bus-sourced 4-speed Gene Berg transmission. Other performance upgrades include 4-wheel disc brakes, rear dual-drag brakes with a line lock parking brake, and a 3” lift. The seller states that while under their care this Thing has received annual oil and filter services and has been serviced by a local Volkswagen specialist. A collection of service records including several from its previous owner has been provided for reference and can be found in the gallery.
This sale will include a registration title.
Auction Results
- Sold for: $25,000
- Auction End: May 17, 2023 07:11:22PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 29
Comments (37)
Sold for $25,000
Bid in the amount of $25,000
Bid in the amount of $23,500
Bid in the amount of $22,750
Bid in the amount of $22,500
Bid in the amount of $22,250
Bid in the amount of $22,000
Bid in the amount of $21,250
Bid in the amount of $21,000
Bid in the amount of $20,250
Bid in the amount of $20,000
Bid in the amount of $19,750
Bid in the amount of $19,500
Bid in the amount of $18,750
Bid in the amount of $18,500
Bid in the amount of $18,250
Bid in the amount of $18,000
Bid in the amount of $17,750
Bid in the amount of $17,500
Is this a type one or type four notor
Hey Baby, I got a Red Thing. It's a nice Package. Wanna see it?
Bid in the amount of $17,000
Bid in the amount of $16,000
Bid in the amount of $15,500
Bid in the amount of $15,000
Bid in the amount of $13,650
Bid in the amount of $13,400
Bid in the amount of $13,000
@skier I live in Centennial - what is a good number to reach you at?
I would like to see this in person. Where are you located?
Bid in the amount of $12,500
Bid in the amount of $12,250
@jbauto yes, the line lock works as the parking brake. Parking brake has been turned into two rear drag brakes to stop individual rears if you do any sand or dirt driving.
this has been a labor of love for sure.
Really nice build. Is that a Line-lock I see? Indy parking brakes? Rally brakes? Looks like a fun toy. GL
Bid in the amount of $12,000
Bid in the amount of $10,000
Thank you for visiting my auction. Hope that you find this car as interesting and fun as I did.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. Many Thanks.