Ratty Rescue: Make Your Own Toasted Thing, Just Add Fire

Did you like this week’s Find Of The Day? Looking for someThing to fix up and make your own? Check out this 1973 Volkswagen Type 181; it could be just the Thing you need

School’s back in session around the country, so summer is officially over. Or is it? This 1973 Thing might help you hold onto the best season a little bit longer. The top on this car not only goes down, the windows and doors come off easily and the front windshield folds down allowing you to easily see all four corners.

While 181’s lack all-wheel-drive, their light weight makes them quite capable on light trails. We wouldn’t tackle Moab in one, that’s for sure, but for a trip to a campsite or cabin is perfect for this little Thing. The slightly raised suspension will help scramble over rocks and ford shallow streams. And its small size allows you to get in and out of tight places.

[See image gallery at www.vwvortex.com]

The nice thing with Things is they look great on a pumped up suspension, or slammed to the ground. You can emphasize the off-road nature of this little car with some small wheels and knobby tires, or put it on an air ride system with some old-school chrome wheels and cruise the streets. No matter which direction you go in, this 181 will get you some serious looks; you just don’t see these cars very often.

This 1973 Thing is in pretty good shape. Sure there’s some rust, and yes there’s at least two shades of yellow paint, but it has character. Most importantly: it drives and stops. The Porsche 356 chrome wheels and larger tires are a nice upgrade. And from the pics in the ad, it does have a top.

Speaking of the ad: it’s a bit low on information. There’s no title, so you’ll need to work that out with the seller and your local DMV/Title Agency. Check out the car for yourself in Duarte, California, or take a look at the ad on thesamba.com.

One more positive point for this car: investment potential. While the current asking price is $4800, with some work (and a title), this Thing could go up in value quite a bit. Restored 181’s are listed for $9000, $12,000, and even $18,000. If making money is your thing, then you need this Thing.

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