Keen On Green: 1981 Volkswagen Thing Type 181

The Type 181 Volkswagen Thing is not a pretty car…but it is pretty useful. It started life in the 1960s as a stripped down mild-off-road capable light vehicle used for West German military use, but VW built a civilian version a few years later. This next example has been given a significant restoration and modernization (LED lights, disk brakes, larger engine, 6-point cage) that should allow it to function well into the 21st century — no touch screen required. Find this 1981 Volkswagen Thing Type 181 offered for $14,999 in San Diego, CA via craigslist.

From the seller:

1974 Volkswagen thing
condition: excellent
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 72000
odometer rolled over
paint color: green
size: full-size
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: convertible

This is a fantastic 1974 Volkswagen thing. It has been well taken care of, and is in great running condition. Engine is a 1904 CC, and plenty fast to reach highway speeds! More importantly the expensive conversion to front disk brakes has been completed, and the car will also stop from Highway speeds. Most VW Things are impossible to stop. Not this one. It has a full six point roll cage, with aluminum top which can be removed in a jiffy. It includes windows for all the doors, and a bunch of cool stuff that you can either install or sell. It has an awesome roof rack over the cage as well. My wife and I put beach chairs up there and sit at the beach with a propane fire pit! This car has LED headlights with halos that turn into blinkers. Custom seats, and great bumpers front and rear. Like new floor mats. The vintage looking stereo system in the car is actually a brand new system that has Bluetooth USB, ASB, and SD card. It will also Bluetooth your phone calls . All typical VW thing rust issues have been addressed. All panel bodywork on the outside of the car was professionally done by welding. This consisted of 4 small holes. Two holes in the factory front fenders, and two right in front of the rear fenders. All 4 were repaired to factory specs. Rear fenders have been replaced. Optima battery with cutoff. The pictures will tell the rest of the story. Please call or text 9 AM to 9 PM. I do not need help selling this vehicle. I will not accept PayPal scams. I do not want to trade for tattoos or some old beat up car, motorcycle, or your Rottweiler puppy. Price is OBO, but I am not crazy to sell. I would like the garage space back for my other VW. Looking to move this to a nice buyer.

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