After the success of the Volkswagen Beetle in the 1960s, VW resurrected the idea of an on- and off-road car, and called it the Type 181 "Thing." Inspired by the WWII Type 82 Kubelwagen, the Thing was updated with the Beetle baseline engine and running gear, but with the beefier Transporter/Microbus suspension. Also along the lines of the Kubelwagen was its Dumpsteresque, yet practical, styling. The simple doors and standard soft top could easily be removed, and the windshield folded flat. The rear-engined, rear-wheel drive car was rugged, and well-suited for unimproved roads.This particular '73 Thing is a very original and solid example showing only 41,000 original miles. This is a great little toy to tool around town in on the weekends, take to the beach or to even use as a daily driver! This Thing has never seen any kind of major restoration! You NEVER see these cars as solid and original as this! With only one repaint in 2008, the car is almost all original. Seats, top, sheet metal, floors, side curtains, all original! The paint on the car looks great and is almost show quality. The body is very solid with no bubbling, major dents or dings. Doors shut with ease and line up as they should. The front and rear bumpers are both in very good condition and were repainted at the same time the rest of the car was. The side curtains and top are all original and in great condition. The interior looks great and is all original. The seats are in near perfect condition with no rips or tears to be found. The floors have been painted and are very solid. All lights, blinkers, wipers and horn work with no problems. The padded dash and steering wheel are both in good condition with no cracking or buckling showing. We do have all four of the window side curtains for the car that are included in the purchase. This little four-speed Thing starts up every time with no hesitation or smoking and runs great. The 4 cylinder that powers this thing is very clean and nicely detailed. The motor and engine compartment is in good, original condition. It is attached to a "4 on the Floor" manual transmission. Clutch is smooth and brakes as it should. The wheels are stock VW and look great with their VW dog dish hubcaps. The wheels are wrapped with P195/75 R14 radials that are brand new with good tread life. The undercarriage of the car is clean and rot free, even under the battery! It appears that the floors are original and are very solid. The front trunk includes a spare and is very clean. Mileage is showing 41,174 which is said to be actual and the VIN is 1842625483. This would make the perfect classic car for the teenager or just a toy for you. Either way, you're sure to have a blast with it.