We’ve seen our fair share of LS swaps, but every so often, we run across something that catches us a little off guard. This 1973 Volkswagen Thing is one good example of that – from the massive blower, to the quad steering wheels, this Thing is definitely unique. Now, we’re taking a closer look thanks to the following feature video from Holley.
Built by Lawrence Albrecht and Scott Casey, two friends from Orlando, Florida, this fully custom Volkswagen Thing was recently caught at LS Fest performing some pretty spectacular burnouts. Sitting up front, we find an LSX 427 powerplant topped by a 10-71 blower, with output rated at a stout 917 horsepower. The engine was built by Prestige Motors and sits on a shortened Chevy S10 frame. This Thing also has a four-link suspension in the rear, a 12-bolt GM rear end, and a TCI 700R4 transmission.
Naturally, a build like his required a ton of custom work to make everything fit, including custom frame mounts, floor panels, and intercooler parts. Casey handled the fabrication, while Albrecht worked on the designs.
The exhaust is also mounted on the side due to space issues, which means the front doors don’t open, but because the firewall is pushed back so far, there’s actually no room for a driver or passenger in the front seats anyway. As such, the cabin features two clown mannequins and a total of four steering wheels.
“When we get pulled over in Orlando where we live, the police always say, ‘Which one of you clowns is driving?'” Albrecht jokes.
The duo also added a few touches to reflect the car’s original style, including wood-themed flooring that mimics the old wooden floorboards the Thing originally had. Overall, the build took around 15 months to complete.
Naturally, this Volkswagen Thing gets terrible gas mileage, but that isn’t really a big deal – it was made for burnouts, and in that respect, it’s more than capable.
Check it out for yourself right here:
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