This 1972 Volkswagen Type 181 “Thing” is a stock example with less than 53k miles. Much recent work has been done to make this one a reliable turnkey driver including a top end rebuild, brake and carb service, and a new battery. Subject to a well-done older restoration, body and chassis show no signs of rust repair according to the seller. All-original body panels, bolt-on fenders and interchangeable doors were resprayed in their original shade of Pumpkin Orange. It is currently registered in the seller’s name and comes with records for work done and a clean Michigan title.

Brought into the US by a VW restorer in Indiana, it was restored and sold to a couple who used it for many years as a beach buggy and bar hopper on Marco Island in South Florida – it even retains a Ft. Meyers Nude Beach parking permit. Pumpkin Orange was one of four colors available and looks glossy with light swirl marks. Built at VW’s plant in Puebla, Mexico, pre-1973 Things are increasingly harder to find in the US and feature subtle differences like slim taillights from the VW Bus in place of the bulky 1973-74 versions familiar to most.

Imperfections include touched up peeling spots on the hood’s leading edge and possible rust forming on the folding windshield’s interior passenger side lower frame, visible in the gallery below.

The bikini top looks to have been replaced and is in good condition aside from some light water staining. Window skirts look older but still serviceable, showing some wear and discoloration in the clear plastic.

Original wheels wear chrome caps, beauty rings and modern radials with approximately 2,000 miles. Stock black bumpers look straight and undamaged, with exhaust tips properly routed through holes in the rear bumper.

The well-kept painted sheet metal interior looks complete down to the exposed wiper motor and shift pattern decal on dash. A single stock gauge includes a km/h speedometer and working odometer reading 84,800km, just shy of 52,900 miles.

Additions over time have included a dash-mounted tach, coco floor mats, a wicker basket, surf-shop stickers, and a CD player with two Pioneer speakers. Tight-fitting vinyl upholstery has been replaced at some point and is in good condition. Issues are few: the right blinker flashes too quickly even though no bulbs are out, the radio forgets station presets when turned off, and the wipers are not currently working.