Sidebar: Surprise VW Behind Door # 2

A little over two weeks ago we set out on a road trip to Plain, Washington in the Vanagon.  Shortly after Sultan, the engine decided to start blowing oil all over the back of the car.  The red light lit, the buzzer blew, and the car was on the side of the road. 

I looked at my cell phone and saw zero bars.  Very early in my VW days I learned that when the light turns red, you stop the car.  But, given that we had a wedding to attend, and rather than hang out on Hwy 2 waiting for somebody to stop, I dropped a quart of oil into the engine and we turned around.  Going against my best judgement we rolled downhill toward Sultan. 

The first auto shop we came across was a large place with BBB and AAA approved signs on the side of the road.  Good enough for me.  At this point they had us.  The Vanagon was dead, or very close to dead, in their parking lot. 

The car went up on the lift and it was determined that it would take a few days for parts and diagnostic. 

As we were about to leave, the mechanic, who had said about two words to us so far, says “You know, I could hook you up with another red vw.”  I asked if he had any pictures (not that I need another VW).  He said that he didn’t, but the car was in the back.  I followed him across the garage where he lifted a door to reveal a flawless fully restored VW Thing.

I’m in Sultan, Washington.  I haven’t seen a nice Thing since my days in Orange County.  I asked if I could take a picture.  He pulled out the keys and we drove it to the other side of the property for ‘a more suitable background.’  The engine purred.  He told me how much he wanted for it based on what he had found on the Internet.  This middle-of-nowhere garage find was not going away cheap so I had to turn him down.  Plus, I don’t need a VW Thing.  Still, it is a beautiful car. 

If you’re looking for a Thing and like this one, contact me, and I’ll put you in touch with the owner.