The Volkswagen Thing is the US-market version of Volkswagen’s Type 181, an air-cooled, rear-engine vehicle with an open body, removable top and folding windshield. It was sold in the United States for the 1973 and 1974 model years; other Type 181 versions had different names and continued in other markets. Used prices vary widely, so compare each car’s structure, completeness, originality and documented condition rather than treating a market average as a guaranteed value.
What Is a Volkswagen Thing?
Volkswagen sold the Type 181 under different names in different markets: Thing in the United States, Safari in Mexico, Trekker in the UK and Kurierwagen in West Germany. The US Thing was a short-lived civilian offering based on a model with military-vehicle origins. Its practical appeal today is its simple air-cooled layout and open-air design.
The VW Thing Registry reports that 28,930 Things were sold in the United States. That figure comes from the Registry’s history, rather than a factory publication reviewed for this guide.
Features and Specifications
Hagerty describes the Thing’s 1,584 cc air-cooled engine mounted at the rear, producing 46 hp and driving the rear wheels. Mid America Motorworks describes an open body with a removable top, lift-off doors and side windows, and a folding windshield. These are general model descriptions, not a complete specification sheet for every year or market.
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| Item | General description |
|---|---|
| US model years | 1973 and 1974 |
| Model family | Type 181 |
| Engine | 1,584 cc air-cooled engine mounted at the rear |
| Power and drive | 46 hp; rear-wheel drive |
| Open-air equipment | Removable top, lift-off doors and side windows, folding windshield |
Equipment can vary by year and vehicle. Mid America Motorworks says 1973 models had an Eberspächer gasoline heater and 1974 models used Beetle heat exchangers with a modified exhaust. Treat that as secondary historical information and verify the equipment on the specific car.
Years, Names, and Notable Variants
The US-market Thing was sold only for the 1973 and 1974 model years. The Type 181 family continued under other names beyond those US sales years, so international production dates should not be mistaken for the US Thing’s run.
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The VW Thing Registry describes the 1974 Acapulco as a blue-and-white edition with matching interior trim and running boards, and says it was usually offered with a Surrey top. The Registry reports 400 made; equipment and configuration should be verified rather than assumed to be identical on every example.
How Much Is a VW Thing Worth?
CLASSIC.COM’s page, accessed in 2026, displayed an average sale price of $21,071, a lowest recorded sale of $3,300 and a highest recorded sale of $118,500. These are site-reported historical market figures, not an appraisal or a promise of what a specific car is worth. Prices and listings change over time.
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The wide spread makes condition and comparability essential. CLASSIC.COM listings include original, modified and custom vehicles, and an asking price is not the same as a completed sale. When comparing cars, account for condition, originality, modifications, documented work, trim and sale date.
| Comparison point | What to check |
|---|---|
| Structure | Floor pans, inner and outer box-section rockers, corrosion and repair quality |
| Completeness | Top, windows, doors, trim and related fittings |
| Mechanical fit | Stock or modified components and compatibility with the car’s year and version |
| Originality | Whether the car is original, modified or custom, and whether claimed trim is supported |
| Price evidence | Asking price versus completed sale, date, condition and comparable specification |
What to Check Before Buying a VW Thing
- Inspect structural rust. Mid America Motorworks flags floor pans and box-section rockers as concerns; rockers can rust from the inside. Look beyond paint and check repair quality and underlying structure.
- Check completeness and condition. Inspect the top, windows, doors and fittings. Body and top components can be costly, particularly given the model’s lower production numbers.
- Verify mechanical fitment. Many mechanical parts are shared with other VW models, but some Type 181 parts are unique. Confirm the exact year and version before ordering parts or assuming a component fits.
- Compare like with like. Consider originality, modifications, documented work, trim and sale date. Verify any claim that a car is a 1974 Acapulco edition using records and physical details.
- Arrange a specialist inspection. Have a qualified classic Volkswagen specialist assess the vehicle before purchase; this checklist is not an inspection of any individual car.
FAQ
What is a Volkswagen Thing?
It is the US-market version of Volkswagen’s Type 181, an air-cooled, rear-engine vehicle with a removable top and folding windshield.
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What years was the VW Thing made for the US market?
The Thing was sold in the United States for the 1973 and 1974 model years. The broader Type 181 family continued in other markets under different names.
How much is a VW Thing worth?
There is no single fair value for every example. CLASSIC.COM displayed a $21,071 average sale price as of its page accessed in 2026, alongside recorded sales from $3,300 to $118,500. Compare the individual car’s condition and specification, and remember that asking prices are not completed sale prices.
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What should I check before buying a VW Thing?
Prioritize floor pans and box-section rockers, repair quality, the condition and completeness of the top and body components, and whether mechanical parts fit the car’s year and version. Get a qualified classic Volkswagen inspection before buying.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
