The Volkswagen Thing is the U.S.-market version of the Type 181, sold here for the 1973 and 1974 model years. It combines a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine with a removable top and open, utilitarian bodywork. Used prices vary sharply with condition, completeness, originality, and modifications: CLASSIC.COM’s page accessed in 2026 displayed an average sale price of $21,071, but that market figure is not a valuation of any specific car.
What is a Volkswagen Thing?
The Volkswagen Thing is the American-market name for Volkswagen’s Type 181. The model family had different names in other markets: Safari in Mexico, Trekker in the United Kingdom, and Kurierwagen in West Germany. The Type 181 had a broader international life, but U.S. sales of the Thing covered only the 1973 and 1974 model years. The VW Thing Registry reports that 28,930 Things were sold in the United States; that figure is from the Registry’s historical account, rather than a factory publication directly reviewed here.
The Type 181 began with a military-vehicle purpose before civilian versions were sold. Its appeal is less about refinement than adaptability: an open body, removable components, and a simple air-cooled, rear-engine layout.
Features and specifications
Engine and layout
Hagerty’s model description lists a 1,584 cc air-cooled engine mounted at the rear, producing 46 hp and driving the rear wheels. These figures are a general model description, not a complete factory specification sheet for every year or market. Confirm the configuration of a particular car by its year, records, and installed components. Hagerty’s Volkswagen Thing description
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Open body and removable equipment
Mid America Motorworks describes the Thing with a removable top, lift-off side windows and doors, and a folding windshield. That equipment gives the car its distinctive open-air character, but it also makes the condition and completeness of tops, windows, doors, and fittings important when comparing examples. Mid America Motorworks’ Type 181 history
Heating differs by model year
Mid America Motorworks’ historical account says 1973 models had an Eberspächer gasoline heater, while 1974 models used Beetle heat exchangers with a modified exhaust. Treat that as secondary historical information, not a guarantee about an individual car: verify what is present and working before assigning value or budgeting for repairs.
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- 1/64 Scale made in 2008
- 17 of 42 2009 New Models
- 017/190 for 2009
- Ages 3+
How much is a Volkswagen Thing worth?
CLASSIC.COM’s market page, accessed in 2026, displayed a $21,071 average sale price, a $3,300 lowest recorded sale, and a $118,500 highest recorded sale. These are site-reported figures across recorded sales, not an appraisal or a promise of what a particular Thing will sell for. The unusually broad range is a reason to compare like with like rather than use the average as a target price. CLASSIC.COM’s Volkswagen Thing market page
The same page showed asking prices of $19,900, $21,000, $27,000, and $29,900 for distinct listings. Those are sellers’ asking prices, not completed-sale results. A useful comparison accounts for condition, structural repairs, completeness, documented work, originality, modifications, trim, and sale date. An original or highly original car is not directly comparable to a modified or custom example just because both are advertised as Things.
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- Recommended for ages 8+ years, for display only
- Part of the Black Bandit Series 27
- Made of plastic, rubber, and diecast
- Produced by Greenlight Collectibles.
- Measures approximately 3.25"L x 1.25"W x 1.25"H
What to inspect before buying
A market average cannot replace an inspection of the actual vehicle. Before agreeing on a price, compare the car’s condition and evidence with the asking price, and consider an inspection by a qualified classic Volkswagen specialist.
Structure and rust repairs
- Inspect the floor pans and box-section rockers for corrosion. Mid America Motorworks notes that rockers can rust from the inside, so fresh paint or clean-looking outer surfaces alone do not establish sound structure.
- Look for the quality and extent of prior repairs, not just visible rust. Ask for repair records and have concealed or patched areas assessed by an experienced inspector.
Completeness and body components
- Check that the top, windows, doors, trim, and related fittings are present and in usable condition.
- Mid America Motorworks notes that lower production numbers can make body and top parts costly. Missing pieces or poor condition can therefore affect both the purchase budget and the car’s completeness.
Mechanical fitment and year-specific details
- Many mechanical components are shared with other Volkswagen models, but some parts are Type 181-specific. Verify compatibility for the exact year and version before ordering; do not assume a Beetle part will fit.
- Check whether the engine, exhaust, heater, and other components match the car’s claimed year and configuration. Record modifications and confirm that replacement parts suit what is actually installed.
Originality, trim, and price evidence
- Compare original or highly original cars with similar examples, and modified or custom cars with comparable builds. Listings and sale records can describe very different vehicles under the same model name.
- Distinguish completed sales from asking prices, and consider the sale date and vehicle specification when using market records.
- If a seller identifies a car as a 1974 Acapulco edition, verify the claim through vehicle records and physical details rather than relying on the badge or listing description alone.
The 1974 Acapulco edition
The VW Thing Registry’s history describes the Acapulco as a 1974 offering with blue-and-white paint and interior trim, running boards, and usually a Surrey top. It says hardtop or soft-top configurations were described and reports that 400 examples were made. Treat those details and the production count as the Registry’s account, and do not assume every Acapulco had identical equipment. VW Thing Registry history
Quick Recap
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- CLASSIC REPLICA: Authentic 1:32 scale die-cast metal model of the iconic 1967 Volkswagen Classic Beetle in a beautifal paint finish
- DETAILED DESIGN: Features include chrome-style bumpers, realistic headlights, detailed wheels, and accurate body styling
- DIMENSIONS: Approximately 5 inches in length, perfect size for display or play
- INTERIOR FEATURES: Detailed cabin with beige interior, visible dashboard, and clear windows
- CONSTRUCTION: Durable die-cast metal body with plastic components and rolling rubber wheels
A practical way to compare two Things
| Comparison area | What to assess |
|---|---|
| Structure | Floor pans, inner and outer rockers, corrosion, and the quality of repairs. |
| Completeness | Top, windows, doors, trim, and related fittings; note missing or damaged body components. |
| Mechanical configuration | Stock or modified components, year-specific equipment, and verified Type 181 fitment for replacement parts. |
| Originality | Whether the car is original or highly original, modified, or custom, and whether its records support the description. |
| Price evidence | Asking price versus completed sale, sale date, condition, and comparable specification. |
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.
