1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing

4dr Convertible

4-cyl. 1585cc/46hp 1bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$33,700 CAD*

+9.1%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph04/2407/2410/24$10k$20k$30kJan 2025
Let us watch the market for you

We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Sign up for alerts and we'll notify you about value changes for the cars you love.

1971-1975 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing stats
Highest sale
$81,913 CAD
Lowest sale
$5,488 CAD
Most recent sale
$43,833 CAD
Sales
523

Photos

10 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing
1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing
1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing
1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing
1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing
1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing
1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing
1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing
1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing
1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing
insurance

Protect your 1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing from the unexpected.

Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Online quotes are fast and easy
More 1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing values

Model overview

Model description

The Volkswagen Type 181 “The Thing” was an updated version of the German military’s Type 82 Kubelwagen. Rather than using the Type 82’s mechanical setup, however, the Thing rode on a combination of a Beetle driveline and a Type II Transporter suspension. Like the rest of the VW lineup, the Type 181 placed the air-cooled, 1584-cc engine in the rear and use the motor’s 46 hp to drive the rear wheels.

While the Beetle had charm, the Thing was much more utilitarian. Nary a curve on the car, it had a removable top, a folding windshield, and hose-it-out practicality. While it would never be confused for a jeep, land Rover, or Land Cruiser on the trail, it could manage to stray off the pavement, and was particularly fun on the beach.

Much like during its two-year production run, the Volkswagen Thing today is a quirky, eye-catching ride. Its bright and wild 1970s colors, combined with the convertible’s boxiness make it stand out in a sea of uniform cars. Models from 1974 are slightly more desirable due to their 55 hp, though condition and color tend to drive value more than model year. Top of the pecking order is the visually unique Acapulco Edition, which is decked out in a blue-and-white striped Surrey top. Cars that retain their original hard top are also popular. Keeping a Thing streetable is not difficult given their commonality with the ubiquitous Beetle, and prices tend to be reasonable as a result. Consequently, buyers can afford to be choosy.

Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
Classic car

Common Questions

The value of a 1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $23,400 USD for a 1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing at auction over the last three years was $66,399 CAD. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing at auction over the last three years was $16,138 CAD. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 54 1973 Volkswagen 181 Things sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1973 Volkswagen 181 Thing was $20,595 CAD on November 30, 2024 by Bring a Trailer.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are representative of stock condition vehicles only and based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. Value adjustments for optional equipment are in U.S. dollars. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.CA/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of the Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.