Some barn finds are relics in need of resurrection, but this 1997 Porsche 911 Carrera 2S is the kind of discovery collectors dream about, an air-cooled icon that’s been preserved, not forgotten. Listed here on eBay, this 993-generation 911 was recently unearthed from a California garage where it sat untouched since 2014. The seller states that it’s a true “barn find from a family estate,” showing just 42,360 miles on the odometer and remaining completely original since it was parked over a decade ago. It’s finished in sleek black over a matching black interior, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, the preferred setup for any purist who knows what the 993 represents in Porsche history.
According to the listing, the car runs and drives, has successfully passed California’s stringent smog test, and now carries a new, clean title. That’s a reassuring detail for anyone looking to actually enjoy this car on the road rather than just tuck it back into storage. While the seller doesn’t elaborate on what, if any, mechanical refreshing was done after it was found, the fact that it’s running smoothly enough to meet emissions standards suggests a healthy drivetrain and solid upkeep prior to its hibernation.
The 993 series, produced from 1995 to 1998, holds a special place in Porsche lore as the last of the air-cooled 911s. The Carrera 2S, in particular, is one of the most desirable variants, blending the widebody design of the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4S with the simplicity and driving purity of rear-wheel drive. Its naturally aspirated 3.6-liter flat-six, combined with a six-speed manual gearbox, delivers an experience that many enthusiasts consider the pinnacle of analog Porsche engineering.
Visually, this example looks right at home in its understated black-on-black configuration. The seller mentions it’s “all original and untouched,” still wearing its period Zone wheels—a subtle but telling sign of authenticity. The body appears straight and the finish retains its structure despite years in storage. Inside, the cabin shows the timeless Porsche layout, where every gauge and switch is designed for function over flash.
For anyone who’s ever dreamed of owning an air-cooled 911 before the market made them nearly unattainable, this might be a golden opportunity. With just over 42k miles, a clean California title, and originality that’s getting harder to find, this 993 Carrera 2S could be both an incredible weekend driver and a long-term investment. Would you keep it as-found or bring it back to showroom perfection?
Are you sure you’ve got the right car? Shiney paint? No mention of the right front damage or the scrapes on the right door?
Yup, I was indeed looking at the wrong car. *face palm*
Delaminated windshield on the lower right side. Melted looking right side mirror and bumper cover. Did this car get close to a fire? There’s much more to the story than the seller is divulging…
I owned a 1997 C4S. This is a GREAT engine, the last of the aircooled, and a good long-term investment. And, it’s a really fun car to drive.
It seems very unlikely that this is the real story. Anyone who knows anything about Porsche would have let this sit like this.
$82 grand? Well, I always enjoy a good joke in the morning.
Wonder what the finder paid for this?
Some fire damage there….
What is a “new clean title “ does that replace a salvage title ?
If the car had been in probate a new title will be issued in the new owner’s name ordered by the court. Also there is the possibility that there had been a lein against the car/title that needed clearing. In the old days the lein holder just “signed off/stamped the title as clear. But with so many scams out there. The “norm” is to send it directly to the DMV for a “new owner” title. Now days, it is incredibly difficult/impossible to remove “salvage” from a title. It would take a couple of pounds of paperwork and serious inspection, and very good story with a paper trail to get a new/clean title. I jumped through those hoops for a 5.0 Mustang I bought that had a salvage title due to the insurance company listing it that way because it was a theft recovery. The time and expense never did pay for its self in the difference of the sale price. It made it easier to sell. But the whole production took almost a year.
It’s sad someone would advertise their car for sell looking like this especially a Porsche.Well what ever.
“This listing was ended by the seller on Tue, Oct 7 at 6:23 PM because there was an error in the listing.” according to ebay. Sold outside of ebay or…?