1974 VW Thing "Acapulco" Patina Custom For Sale
The VW Thing has become a cult classic for its quirky looks,
flexibility of formation, and of course the rugged and reliable air cooled VW chassis.
The most desirable of the VW Thing production has got to be the "Acapulco" model
as you see it here with its surrey top, stripped seats and ultimate beachmobile vibe.
Inspired by the Fiat Jolly and Jeep Surrey Gala models,
the Acapulco was designed for sunny coastal cruising and hauling people around.
This is an original "barn find" patina genuine Acapulco that has been brought back to life
by an avid So Cal VW enthusiast, and the end result is something super unique and special.
Sun baked and tired as found, the body was removed from the chassis and as much of the
original cosmetic patina as possible was retained and preserved.
The chassis however was taken down to the very last bolt and fully restored.
Performance, suspension and brake upgrades from end to end , the underside got it all.
Disc brakes from a Porsche 944 were adapted in the rear with cross drilled and slotted rotors.
The chassis itself was stripped and powder coated.
Freeway flyer geared performance transmission with new axles and
air ride bags installed.
KYB gas adjust shocks with air bags for adjusting the ride height.
Nicely done install and everything quite clean.
Major components such as the rear arms were powder coated as well.
The car is an absolute party on wheels.
With the easily removable doors it is perfect for cruising the campground, park or beach.
The stock Acapulco striped seats were retained and the dashboard left stock and untouched.
Small switch panel and gauge for the air ride system was installed and the steering
wheel swapped with a Golf GTi wheel.
Wood "duck boards" instaled for the cargo areas and passenger floors.
Looks like the car originally had a dealer installed air conditioner under the dash!
The craziest thing ever! That was retained but is not functional of course
(not that it probably did much good if it ever worked in the car!
Wolfsburg crest steering wheel looks like its from an early Golf/Rabbit
and I love the look of it.
70k miles on the original odometer.
Actual mileage unknown.
Porsche "cookie cutter" alloys really fit the car well with their angular spokes and
industrial quality to them.
Original paint inside and out with only a few touch ups gives the car great character and history.
Out back the engine is a work of art in its own right.
1915cc with dual 40 Weber carbs and Bernie Bergmann Porsche 911 inspired
upright fan and shroud.
Really has an awesome look and with the ceramic coated header and stainless
muffler from Tiger at A1, it sure sounds awesome too.
I absolutely love the dark theme in here with the gloss black tins and shroud,
the powder coated carb manifolds and the amazing black "Cerakote" finish on the cab bodies.
Super clean and simple, and quality throughout.
With the air ride down full stop it really has a tough look to it with the wheel tuck and stance.
Accessory bumper guards and safari bars over the fenders.
Custom German plate, single fog light...really great character to the car.
Original "The Thing" logo stickers are cool as well as some fun ones from VW events.
Accessory running bards under the doors are a cool item as well
The fun part about a car like this with a little patina to it is the freedom it gives you.
Another scratch will go un-noticed, a spilled drink, or buddy leaning against it gives you no fear.
Its a car that you can really use and play with as it is not so precious as to make you park
way at the back of the grocery store parking lot.
The top and frame are new and look fantastic
Very clean and sturdy at speed.
So fun!
Rear seat upholstery is original and shows a little age.
Front seats have been redone in the right replacement material and the match is very good.
The blue paint on the hood is nearly gone.
Fun from every angle
Really solid and original body!
More engine detail pics
External oil filter
Cool plug wires!
Good shot of the exhaust
Air ride controls
Hella H4 headlights
Bosch fog light
Running boards are neat
Spokes of the wheels have been nicely painted in light grey
Wilwood disc brakes peeking out of the front spokes
Super cool custom shifter
Love those wood floorboards!
Seat frames up front were restored nicely
Powder coated chassis is clean and durable
Pedal assembly was restored and rebuilt
Another wood duck board in the front nose.
The black bags here are a part of the air ride system
Air tank and pumps mounted under the front hood.
External oil cooler with fan mounted above the transmission.
Front air shocks.
Electric fuel pump
Rock solid and clean
Wilwood dirc brakes with drilled rotors up front
Nice work!!
This is a fun one.
A well done build when it comes to the performance and everything underneath
and a nice job of retaining the originality and making the best out of what Mother Nature
has done with the natural aging process. I like it!
Asking
$29,500 obo
For More Info...CALL
951 795-1175
or email oldbug@earthlink.net