Acapulco VW Thing 1974 Time Capsule

The World’s Most Authentic Acapulco Thing!

36,600 Original Miles

Unrestored Museum-Quality Original

Matching Numbers #184 254 2176 & Engine #024956

Original Paint & Upholstery with Original Surrey Top

Original Optional Bumper Guards

Original Owner’s Manual & Tool Kit

HISTORY: The VW Type 181 was built from 1969-80 worldwide but only sold in America from 1973-74. The American Things were built at the VW factory in Puebla Mexico. North American market price was $2775, 1000 more than the Beetle. VW stopped importing after 1974 due to safety concerns. 140,000 were built between 1969-80. 25,000 were imported to USA in 1973-74 & 14,733 were built in 1974 for the US market and sold by VW of America.

ACAPULCO EDITION: Originally White & Blue Acapulcos were sold to The Princess hotel in Acapulco Guerrero, exico while the White & Pink ones were included with a bungalow or villa while staying at Las Brisas in Acapulco Mexico. VW was encouragedby returning American customers to build a small batch for public sale. The special Acapulco editions were built for two months between May-July 1974 and factory workers at the Puebla factory claimed only 400 Acapulco Things were made for the USA market in 1974. All were originally fitted with a metal-frame surrey top covered with blue & white stripes. Most owners chose to trade-in the surrey top for either a soft-top or a hardtop.

OWNERSHIP HISTORY: This Acapulco has had five owners over the past 42 years. Lucille & Russell Weaver from Knoxville Tennessee bought it new at the Van Slyke VW dealership on 21 August 1974. It was serviced in 1985 with only 34K-miles. After their passing it was purchased in 2006 on ebay by Northern California collector Roger King. In 2008 it was sold to Ron Pratte, mega-collector in Glendale Arizona as part of his 100-car collection. In 2009 Larry Dustman (owner of The Thing Shop in Chandler Arizona) bought it to use as the master for reproduction of Acapulco parts. Larry kept it for seven years in his extensive Thing collection. Most recently it was sold to a San Diego collector in late-2015 with only 36,602 miles.

MILEAGE CHRONOLOGY:

26 July 1974 7 Knoxville Tennessee Arrived at dealership

10 Sep 1974 615 Knoxville Tennessee Engine & trans oil

12 Aug 1975 5195 Knoxville Tennessee 6000-mile service

06 Dec 1985 34,191 Knoxville Tennessee Oil change decal

April 2014 36,455 Chandler Arizona Listed on ebay

Feb 2016 36,602 San Diego California Moved to San Diego

MECHANICALS: With only 36K-miles on its original 1600cc engine, his well-preserved Acapulco drives like a new car. The engine bay is clean, ree of oil & rust. The engine starts easily, omes to a smooth idle quickly, nd is strong through all gears. The clutch is smooth & engages without any noises. Brakes are perfect. And the lights & signals all work like they should. It cruises smoothly at 60-65mph. The engine does not smoke and it does not drip oil.

CHASSIS: The floorpans have never been touched and are as good as the day it was built. Check out the detailed photos of the floorpans with the rubber mats removed, imply beautiful! There is one tiny rust hole in the battery compartment that has not been repaired, ble to be seen from the underside.

NON-ORIGINAL PARTS: Radial tires were fitted in 2009 for safety sake. Spark plug wires were replaced due to normal maintenance. New reproduction rubber floor mats were added & front seat pads restored (Thing Shop) in 2016.

ISSUES: Horn is not working (undiagnosed), inor scratches (some touched-up), inor rubs in paint (from car covers), amp; minor pitting on the side mirrors.

FULL WEB SITE: We’ve created a web site that has 160 photos, ideos, istory, nd details for this amazing Acapulco. Please visit http://leehedges.wix.com/1974acapulcothing

TOP SELLING ACAPULCO: The highest price paid for an Acapulco Thing was $52,800 at the Amelia Island Gooding auction in 2015. However, t was a restored one with larger engine, amp; non-stock slotted rims. You can find the link here: http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1974-volkswagen-thing/
We believe our unrestored original Thing should be rated a 2+, hich would be valued by Haggerty in the $45-50K range. Since a classic is only original once, urs is positioned to be an excellent investment over time. You will never find another Acapulco that is more authentic & original.

SAN DIEGO VINTAGE CONSIGNMENTS: We strive to feature low-mileage & well-preserved classic Volkswagen & Porsche cars & trucks. We’ve been helping owners sell their cars for the past 25 years and pride ourselves on providing the best cars available, ell-documented and ready to be enjoyed. You can call 760 845 8447 any time to discuss a vehicle or to set-up an inspection. We have reliable auto transport companies that have provided quality transport across the USA & internationally. This VW Acapulco Thing is located in northern San Diego California.