1974 Volkswagen Thing - Fully Restored! 1776cc Engine, Dual Dells

This 1974 Volkswagen Thing Convertible is a real find!! Things are rare as they were only sold in the US market between 1972 and 1974 and only approximately 25,000 Thing Convertibles were sold in the U.S. market.
My father and I rescued the Thing from a Trent, SD junkyard in 1993. Over the course of the next four years we stripped it to the floorpan, media-blasted the body and pan, welded in new floorpans, and had the bodywork professionally completed by Pierre’s Bodyshop in Sioux Falls, SD.
The interior was upgraded with new seats, new carpet and a locking glove box cover. A rollbar was added to increase structural rigidity and safety. Four-point harnesses were installed in the front seats. The stock heater controls are in place, but the heater tubes from the engine heater boxes are not currently installed (warm weather car). A new convertible top and frame from The Thing Shop in Arizona were installed. The removable side curtains are new, and solid glass.
The suspension, brakes, steering system and electrical system were reconditioned with new parts from The Thing Shop in Arizona. New chrome wheels, wheel bearings, and tires were installed. The fuel system was upgraded with an auxiliary electrical fuel pump to support the increased demand from the improved engine.
The engine was upgraded to a 1776cc new long-block. New case, jugs, heads, crank, etc. The engine has an 8-dowel counter balanced crankshaft, 041 heads, hydraulic lifters, hi-carbon steel pushrods, and an Engle 120 camshaft. It has dual Dellorto 40mm carburetors (one carb for each cylinder). The ignition system was upgraded to a Petronix system (hotter spark than Bosch systems). The oil system was upgraded with a high-capacity pump and new external cooler. The engine cooling system was replaced with all new components, and a bus-fan was installed on the new alternator. The exhaust setup is a dual 2-into-1 system, each side of the engine has an exhaust pipe. It’s tastefully loud, but with a ginger right-foot it’s quiet. The engine produces approximately 100hp, nearly double the original power of the stock-1600cc engine.
The transmission and driveline components were upgraded during the restoration as well. A GEX Pro Sand IRS four-speed transmission was installed. It has a “super diff” (differential), an aluminum side cover, welded 3rd & 4th gear hubs, hardened keys and steel forks throughout, close ratio gear sets and a 4.86 ring and pinion ratio. A Gene Berg close-throw shifter was installed as well. The clutch and pressure plate were upgraded to support the increased power from the new engine. New axle boots, CV joint bearings and hardware were installed during the restoration.
The vehicle is in fantastic condition, all the electronic systems work properly (wipers, blinkers, etc.) and it is a head-turner around town. It’s tuned up and ready to go!
Please bid accordingly! It's been several years since we completed the restoration; please contact me with specific questions and I’ll do my best to answer them in a timely manner. Thanks for viewing the listing.
This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.
Terms & Conditions
Winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours of auction end, and make arrangements for payment at that time. We prefer a bank to bank wire transfer of funds as payment as this is the safest for you and for us. We do not accept paypal payments. A 25% deposit is due within 3 days of the end of auction. The remainder is due within 7 days of the auction ending. If no contact is made within 24 hours we reserve the right to re-list the vehicle, sell it to the next high bidder, or sell it otherwise. Most banks and credit unions do not finance vehicles older than 1995 or with more than 100K miles. Make sure if financing, your financial institution accepts the year and miles of this vehicle before bidding. Please arrange financing prior to bidding.

Buyer is responsible for pickup or shipping of this vehicle. Seller can arrange transportation and delivery at Buyer’s expense to include the cost of rental equipment (Uhaul Trailer) and mileage of $0.56/mile up to 1000 miles from zip code 57108. If you wish to have it shipped using a service we will gladly cooperate.

If you are not sure about something, Please ASK. Do not assume anything not listed is included. We reserve the right to cancel bids for excessive negative feedback or excessive bid cancellations. We reserve the right to end the listing if the vehicle is no longer available for sale.

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PLEASE ONLY BID WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY. IF THE RESERVE IS NOT MET, WE MAY CONTACT THE HIGH BIDDER TO OFFER THE SECOND CHANCE OPTION.

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