1974 Volkswagen Thing for sale in Sylvania OH

For Sale: 1974 Volkswagen Thing – Acapulco Edition
Fun, Collectible, and Beach-Ready | Classic VW Rarity

This 1974 Volkswagen Thing is a rare Acapulco Edition, designed with fun and versatility in mind. Finished in the signature blue-and-white color scheme, this special edition captures the carefree spirit of 1970s coastal driving. Whether you're heading to the beach, a car show, or just out for a sunny weekend cruise, this VW Thing delivers a uniquely enjoyable experience.

Vehicle Highlights

• 1600cc air-cooled flat-four engine – iconic VW simplicity and reliability

• 4-speed manual transmission – fun and engaging to drive

• 86,323 miles shown (TMU)

• Acapulco blue-and-white paint – in good condition overall (minor imperfections visible in photos)

• Removable soft top – overall good to very good condition

• Painted front and rear bumpers – clean, solid appearance

• Wood accent floor panels – very good condition and a unique visual touch

• Floor pans – clean and solid, good to very good condition

• Engine and front trunk compartments – clean and rust-free

• Wheels – in fair to good condition, with some surface corrosion and pitting on center caps

• Interior upholstery – striped blue-and-white seats in very good condition

• Fully serviced and inspected by a 3rd-party mechanic

Condition Rating: Classic Car

This vehicle receives a Condition Score of 3 to 4 on our five-point scale, placing it in our Classic Inventory. These are high-quality driver vehicles with solid mechanicals and good cosmetic condition — great for weekend use, cruise-ins, or as part of a growing vintage VW collection.

Brief History of the Volkswagen Thing Acapulco Edition

In the early 1970s, Volkswagen introduced the Type 181 for the U.S. market, known here as the VW Thing. Designed as a civilian version of a military utility vehicle, it quickly gained popularity for its rugged, open-air design. The Acapulco Edition was a limited-production special meant to evoke a tropical, resort-like feel. With a signature blue-and-white exterior, striped upholstery, and removable top and doors, it was marketed as the perfect beach vehicle.

Though only available for a short time, the Acapulco Thing has become one of the most collectible variants of the VW Thing. Surviving examples, especially those retaining their signature color scheme and styling, are increasingly hard to find.

About Central Classic Cars

We are the largest vintage Volkswagen dealer in the U.S., specializing in the sale, restoration, and servicing of classic air-cooled VWs. Our team sources and prepares some of the best examples available, with each vehicle inspected and serviced prior to sale.

We also buy classic cars — with a special focus on VWs and vintage Porsches from the 1950s–1980s — and pay cash for the right vehicles.

Contact John at (419) 517-1795 to learn more or schedule a viewing.
Visit CentralClassicCars.com to explore our inventory and subscribe to our YouTube channel for virtual walkarounds and updates.