How often do you come across a classic car that's equal parts automotive icon and fitting time capsule centerpiece? Yet it's an apt description for this 1973 Volkswagen Thing Convertible Hard Top. Wearing striking red paint and appearing ready for the road, it's a very clean representative of its seldom-seen model. Take a nice, long look, and it will reinforce the notion of this VW's sturdy state. It sports brightwork that's in consistently good shape, and its panel gaps are surprisingly uniform. While its freewheeling image leads you to think of it primarily as an open-air vehicle, should the skies darken when you're behind the wheel, you'll have two options for protection from the elements, including both a soft top and a well-fitted contrasting white hard top.
The interior is a great example of the simple but functional VW styling of the early '70s and has received the attention it needed to bring it back to top form. Both the front buckets and rear bench seat have been reupholstered in a white and black houndstooth check that looks sharp in this setting, while offering plenty of comfort for longer excursions. The floor is lined with wood paneling that appears to have also been revitalized and adds a strong element to the surrounding freshened red steel surfaces inside the doors. The factory steering wheel is still in place, and just in front of it, the factory instrument gauge is still functional and readable. An aftermarket Kenwood AM/FM/CD stereo takes the place of its factory counterpart at the center of the dash, and while it will need a little attention to get back online, that shouldn't be a difficult job.
This German classic is powered by a factory correct, air-cooled 1600cc engine that's ready for the asphalt right off the bat. Starting up easily, idling smoothly, and accelerating without hesitation, the engine pairs with a 4-speed manual transmission that shifts without a hitch and it sits in a nice, clean engine bay, surrounded by wiring that appears to have recently been replaced. The clutch action is surprisingly precise, and the car tracks with no wandering, reinforcing the notion that this unique ride would be a really fun open-air cruiser that's sure to turn heads.
HIGHLIGHTS
1600CC FACTORY CORRECT ENGINE
4-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
REAR WHEEL DRIVE
AFTERMARKET DUAL EXHAUST
15" WHEELS
CONVERTIBLE CLOTH TOP
REMOVABLE HARD TOP
CAPTIVATING RED EXTERIOR
FRESHENED INTERIOR MIXES VINYL AND CLOTH
BLACK AND WHITE HOUNDSTOOTH CHECK UPHOLSTERY
If you're searching for a truly unique classic but don't want to sacrifice drivability in the process, this 1973 Volkswagen Thing Hard Top Convertible is well worth checking out. You just don't see many of these cars on the road anymore, and the solid road-readiness and freshened appearance this one has should put it at the top of your list. Call today!
