Here we have an awesome restomod Volkswagen Thing with 202HP stroker turbo engine. And probably it’s the most expensive Thing in the world. Or at lest one of most expensive. But let’s begin from the history of this unusual vehicle. The origins of the Thing trace back to the 1960s when it was created as a military vehicle for West Germany under the name Type 181. At that time, post-war economic challenges meant Volkswagen couldn’t afford to design something cutting-edge. Instead, the Type 181 was intended as a temporary solution while the “Europa Jeep” was in development.
However, Volkswagen had commercial ambitions for the Thing from the outset. Mexican customers sought a vehicle better suited to rough dirt roads than the Beetle, which was extremely popular. Meanwhile, the American market was captivated by the growing trend of VW Buggy conversions.

The Thing was assembled using easily accessible parts. Its floor pan came from the Karmann Ghia, which offered slightly more width than the Beetle. The mechanical components, including the rear-engine layout, flat-four engine, and manual transmission, were taken from the Type 1 Beetle.
Production took place locally in Mexico, where 20,364 units were manufactured under the name Safari. However, since Pontiac already owned the “Safari” name, Volkswagen rebranded the vehicle as the Thing in other markets.
From a modern perspective, the 1974 Volkswagen Thing can be considered slow, unconventional in appearance, and outdated in design. It features four interchangeable doors, rubber floor mats, and a basic metal interior. Lacking any safety features, it was pulled from the U.S. market after 1975.

The VW Thing has become a highly sought-after collector’s vehicle. Enthusiasts appreciate its distinctive design, and its compatibility with Beetle parts makes repairs and maintenance relatively simple. Nevertheless, projects of this scale are rare, especially ones involving such an extensive and costly restomod of a VW Thing.
Likely the most expensive Volkswagen Thing in the world
The body of this restomod Volkswagen Thing was completely removed and stripped down to bare metal. Subtle modifications were made, including rear fenders widened by two inches to accommodate 17-inch Falcon classic wheels and oversized tires. The vehicle is painted in Audi’s iconic Nardo Gray, a shade commonly associated with high-performance models like the RS7.


To give it a modern touch, the restomod features blacked-out trim, including the bumpers, mirrors, and door handles. The lighting has been significantly upgraded with LED headlights and taillights, smoked lenses, and custom fog lights, enhancing the car’s previously simple design.
The interior has undergone a complete transformation as well. It now includes memory foam seats with heating and red diamond-stitched upholstery. The upgraded cabin also boasts modern conveniences such as USB ports, navigation, cup holders, carpeted flooring, and a billet e-brake, making it feel more like a contemporary vehicle.

Under the hood, the engine compartment holds some of the most impressive upgrades. The original 1,585cc engine producing 46 horsepower has been replaced with a turbocharged 2,276cc stroker engine delivering 202 horsepower. This high-performance crate engine includes premium features like a magnesium stroker block and forged pistons, offering significant power and reliability for vintage VW models. By the way, we have here Volkswagen Beetle with widebody in RWB style. Check it out as well.
This powerful engine is a major factor in the $108,000 asking price for this 1974 Volkswagen Thing restomod, being sold by Volo Auto. To handle the fourfold increase in horsepower, the brakes and suspension have also been upgraded. If it finds a buyer, this will become the most expensive VW Thing ever sold, far surpassing the current record of $62,500.