1974 Volkswagen 181 Thing

VIN: 1842543039

$44,000

Sold

Seller details

Vehicle specs

  • Chassis/VIN

    1842543039

  • Body style

    Convertible

  • Odometer

    32153 m

  • Transmission type

    Standard

  • Interior Color

    White, Blue vinyl

  • Exterior Color

    White

  • Generation

    1971-1975 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing

Vehicle details

Notes and observations recorded by Hagerty staff.

Equipment

1585/46hp, 4-speed, hub caps, whitewalls. Vinyl upholstery.

Condition

#3 Good

Runs and drives well. Flaws not noticeable to passersby. Most common condition.

About Hagerty’s condition ratingsClose

Genuine Acapulco Thing. Restored, but probably before air-cooled VWs we’re worth much. The paint looks a little thick and is coming off around some of the hinges. The tires are dirty. Clean restored chassis and engine.

Market commentary

VW Things are always distinctive, and often painted in yellow or bright orange to catch your attention even more easily. However, the Acapulco Edition, originally conceived for the Las Brisas Hotel in Acapulco and sold in small numbers (about 400) for 1973-74, is even more eye-catching thanks to its two-tone colors and surrey top. It is also the rarest and most valuable production variant of the Type 181. It's not a monumental premium like, say, a Fiat Jolly compared to a regular old Fiat 600, but it's there. Barrett-Jackson sold this one for a then-generous $27,500 in Las Vegas four years ago and it is in essentially the same condition today, having put just 69 miles on its odometer since. All things air-cooled Volkswagen have gotten more expensive since then, so this price is not a shock even if it is on the high side.

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