Volkswagen Thing
Originally a West German military vehicle, the Thing's brief 1973-74 U.S. sales run makes it a quirky collector's favorite. It's prized for its extreme simplicity, utilitarian charm, and Beetle-based mechanics.
Find one with Spotter →Typical sold price of a Volkswagen Thing ranges from $5,195 to $34,279, based on 897 sales tracked on Hypercars. 142 currently for sale.
The Volkswagen Thing, known officially as the Type 181, began as a light military vehicle for the West German Army in the late 1960s. It was a modern evolution of the wartime Kübelwagen, built on a modified Beetle and Karmann Ghia platform. Civilian sales followed, and it was officially imported to the United States for only two model years, 1973 and 1974, before new safety standards ended its run.
Collectors are drawn to the Thing's extreme simplicity and utilitarian charm. With its removable doors, folding soft top, and fold-down windshield, it offers a uniquely open-air experience. It shares its simple air-cooled powertrain and many mechanical parts with the VW Beetle, making it easy and affordable to maintain. It's a fun, quirky classic that stands out from everything else on the road.
The market for the Thing is surprisingly strong, reflecting its cult status and the limited number of US-spec examples. While you can find project cars for under $10,000, restored and low-mileage examples regularly sell for $30,000 to $40,000. Top-tier restorations have even surpassed the $50,000 mark, showing sustained demand for the best examples.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the primary concern. Thoroughly inspect the floor pans, especially under the battery, the rocker panels, and the heater channels.
- Check the condition of the convertible top and removable side curtains. A complete, high-quality replacement set can cost thousands of dollars.
- The 1.6L air-cooled engine is simple, but check for major oil leaks from the pushrod tubes and crankshaft seals.
- Verify the car's origin. US-spec 1973-1974 models are generally more valuable than later Mexican-market imports, which are often titled under their year of import.
Prices range from $6,500 for projects to over $52,000 for perfectly restored examples.
897 Volkswagen Thing vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 142 currently live. Sold prices range from $500 to $616,000.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Volkswagen Thing cost?
Based on 897 sales tracked on Hypercars, Volkswagen Thing prices typically range from $5,195 to $34,279. There are 142 currently for sale.
How many Volkswagen Thing listings are for sale right now?
There are 142 Volkswagen Thing listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.