A Journey Back in Time with the 1974 Volkswagen Thing
Meet this quirky classic car—a 1974 Volkswagen Thing. We’re going back a couple of decades here, folks, but the charm of vintage wheels never fades. Picture this: it’s dressed up in a stately gray, topped off with a beige bimini soft top, and oh, nestled lovingly with gray leather upholstery inside. Power? Well, it’s got a newer 1.6L air-cooled flat-four under the hood, graced with electronic ignition and cozying up with a four-speed manual transaxle.
Features That Catch the Eye
- Chrome 15″ steel wheels adding a dash of sparkle
- Drum brakes to bring you to a halt
- Tubular side rails for a hint of ruggedness
- Fold-down windshield for those breeze-friendly days
- Removable doors—because why not?
- Perforated rubber floor mats for practicality
- Auxiliary gauges to keep everything in check
Currently, this vintage beauty is cruising around with a clean Arizona title, snugly in the seller’s name.
A Closer Look at the Exterior
The gray body stands proud, hooding that classic beige bimini soft top. Throw in some tubular side rails, fender-mounted turn signals, and those unforgettable removable doors, and you’ve got yourself a vehicle with personality galore. Adding a twist to the design is the tow bar attachment snug on the front axle beam. Minor accident damage before 2004? Worry not, it’s been all patched up. Scroll below for shots showcasing the paintwork and exterior flair.
Rolling in Style
Steel your gaze upon the 15″ chrome wheels. They don the emblematic VW-stamped hubcaps and come wrapped with Westlake Radial RP18 tires. And for when life needs you to stop and admire the scenery, drum brakes cover all four corners, ready to halt at your command.
Inside the Cabin
Step inside, and you’ll find yourself greeted by gray leather-trimmed front bucket and folding rear seats. Toss into the mix a 12-volt charging outlet, perforated rubber floor mats for easy cleanup, and a dashboard cubby for those must-have glove compartment essentials.
Dashboard Details
Grasp the four-spoke steering wheel—complete with an aftermarket cover—and you’re met by a metal dashboard. It houses a prominent 100-mph speedometer, inlaid with a fuel-level readout for constant monitoring, and three auxiliary gauges serve as your co-pilot. The odometer reads a modest 3,400 miles; over 1,700 have been added during the current ownership.
Engine and Performance
Kicking under the hood, the replacement 1.6L air-cooled flat-four is the heart of this vintage machine, seamlessly equipped with electronic ignition. It’s nourished by a single downdraft carburetor, topped with an open-element air cleaner, ready to power those nostalgic drives.
Power Distribution
And how is all this power channeled? Via a trusty four-speed manual transaxle that connects to the rear wheels. This car isn’t just about looks, it’s about that raw, authentic driving experience.