The Porsche 944 is a known quantity by now, but the early cars are generally found in tired, beater condition. The later models, especially in Turbo form, are coveted and cared for, so that’s why this low mileage specimen of a 1984 model is so intriguing – they never appear in condition like this. The 944 shown here is said to be a one-owner California car that comes with records from new and its original California blue plates that were removed and stored by the longtime owner, presumably after a new plate design came out. The 944 today has just 47,000 original miles and has to be one of the most original cars left. Find it here on eBay with bids to $10,050 and no reserve.

The cabin of the 944 didn’t change much over the years, but you can definitely discern between an early and late model based on the cockpit design. The early models also have that cool gauge pod in the center stack, but generally speaking, it feels much closer to the 70s in here than the 90s. The later 944s are better dailies, in my opinion, largely because the interiors just remind you of any other car made in the early 90s. The 944 comes with a tan interior that presents very well, right down to the carpets, but some of the piping on the bucket seats is warping in places. The dash is crack-free and this 944 appears to be a radio-delete car with a storage cubby where a radio might otherwise go.

The output of an early naturally-aspirated 944 isn’t anything to crow about, but it will still get out of its own way. While air-cooled models tend to win enthusiasts over just by virtue of the sounds and smells of the snorty flat-six in the back, the 944 has to rely on other credentials to appeal to the masses. Most of its allure resides in its adept chassis and the handling capabilities it provides right out of the box, strengths that get even more formidable with bigger sway bars and Bilstein shocks. The 944 does benefit from recent maintenance despite its low mileage, including a fresh timing belt, new tires, and an A/C conversion to R134A.

The 944 rides on its original black-center alloy wheels, but I’d find a set of the factory staggered Fuchs to swap on here if it were my car. Photos show lots of original details inside the car as well, including the leather carrying bag for the removable sunroof panel, factory tool kit, and privacy shade for the cargo bay. The early 944s will never be cash cows in terms of its potential as a flip car, but they do represent great bargains for potentially buying the best one you can afford and still being safely under $15,000. While the smart money is on a later 944 Turbo, there’s no going wrong with a survivor like this.