Acapulco Clown Car: 1974 Volkswagen Thing
The Volkswagen Thing (Type 181) was an off-road capable air-cooled car that was originally used as a West German Army Jeep but was later turned into a “thing” for regular people. Today’s thing is one of 400 “Acapulco Edition” that was produced in Mexico, which seems to add a surrey-style top, running boards, and some strange-looking side pods above the rear wheels. Find this 1974 Volkswagen Thing offered for $13950 in Auburn, CA via facecrazy harlequinbook.
From the seller:
1974 Volkswagen acapulco thing 181
$13,950
Listed 3 days ago3 days ago in Auburn, CA
About this vehicle
Driven 75,850 miles
Manual transmission
Exterior color: Orange · Interior color: Red
Fuel type: Petrol
Very good condition
Clean title
This vehicle has no significant damage or problems.Seller’s description
This Clown Car is a real Acapulco version of the Thing (one of 400). Very original except for the awesome or hideous paint (you decide).It runs very strong. Bugformance in Sacramento did a complete new wiring harness in 2000. Motor runs excellent, new battery.
Will need new tires to drive regularly.
Very solid, original pans, only a few blisters in the body.
Has OR title that matches the vins, last reg in OR in 2019.
Located in Auburn CA 95602
$13950
See a better way to drive like a clown? tips@dailyturismo.com
Acapulco Edition Things were white with some blue panels/trim and a blue-and-white striped surrey top. This probably started as one (note the white paint inside the engine compartment), but this harlequin paint job and the top canopy are later alterations. Those pods over the rear wheels are standard for later-production Things, apparently to improve cooling airflow somehow.