This 1974 Porsche 911 features a 3.0L engine swap, factory sport seats, and what looks like Canary Yellow paint. The car presents as slightly scruffy but with some desirable features, without the price tag of a numbers-matching example in perfect condition. The seller notes the engine swap was performed and the previous owner stopped working on any other aspects of the 911 project shortly thereafter, so there could be some loose ends left to sort out. Still, for $29,750 or best offer, this is one of the cheaper ways into 911 ownership I’ve seen as of late. Find it here on eBay and located in Orange, California.

I had a conversation this week with my brother about the cheapest way into 911 ownership, especially if you’re on the hunt for a model made in the last 30 years. It’s not easy, as even the once-unloved 964 chassis cars have been increasing in value at a torrid pace. Obviously, long-hood 911s have been out of the question for some time, so where does that leave you? Starting in the middle 70s to about the middle 80s seems like the last stand as it relates to 911s that haven’t exploded in value, but there are reasons for that, too. While the engine swap and non-matching drivetrain may hurt its value slightly, this 911 should also be an entertaining driver as a result of the upgrade.

The factory sport seats are also a desirable feature, and definitely enhance the 911s value – especially if it left the factory with these thickly-bolstered seats installed as optional equipment. Of course, plenty of owners swap them in at a later date, especially on cars like this that is clearly someone’s project. The ad doesn’t state whether the carpeting was removed to show off the sold floor with its original paint still applied or if the carpet itself has been damaged (sometimes, it’s yanked out if there’s an ongoing water leak) but at least the floorboard isn’t rotted out. No mention of any rust is made, in fact, so hopefully its California location indicates it’s a long-term West Coast car.

The engine bay appears to be in good order, but the thoroughness of the swap is worth asking about. No word on the health of the engine or the mileage (on the engine and the chassis), but it’s at least good to see the factory paint matches up inside the engine bay. This 911 won’t likely win any concours events and isn’t the one to buy if preservation is your jam; however, an air-cooled 911 you can simply drive without paying outrageously inflated prices makes way more sense to me than emptying your bank account for a car you’re scared to take out on the roads. This 911 looks like a thoroughly entertaining driver, and is especially compelling if a best offer is accepted.