Some cars simply have a pleasing aesthetic, and that alone can compel buyers to bid. At least, that’s how I rationalize wanting vehicles I have no actual need to own, such as this 1975 Porsche 911 that the seller claims is a lifelong California car purchased new in Monterey. The 911 is equipped with its original 2.7L engine, and comes with its factory books and window sticker. The brown paint is not to everyone’s tastes, but I like it solely because it flies in the face of the typical reds and blacks. The car looks tidy and gives off a vibe of simply being loved, and not restored – a rare state to find a 911 in these days. Find it here on eBay with an asking price of $49,500 or best offer.

The old-school California plates are icing on the proverbial cake, just affirming beyond all doubts that this 911 has been living a fairly sheltered life. Note I didn’t say unused, as the faded paint on the engine cover suggests. It’s clear that the previous owner put the miles on and actually drove the car, and the seller notes that the engine still shows some wetness and leaks – like all 911s tend to that haven’t been treated to an unnecessary engine rebuild. The factory exhaust hangs right where it should and the tail light lenses and center garnish line up perfectly. It just seems like this is a 911 that’s never been taken apart.

Inside, you’ll find an unrestored interior but one that is still in outstanding shape. The light beige carpets and seats are a magnet for dirt and stains, so it seems likely this 911 has never been used as a commuter car where coffee spills and hamburger wrappers leave grease stains. The inside of the door jams also suggests that the paint has achieved a consistent patina all the way through, and while it’s certainly a tad dull, there’s a lot of unintentional eyeball appeal simply from knowing it’s likely original. Even the bolstering in the cushions remains surprisingly robust, which isn’t always easy to achieve in the cars equipped with the standard bucket seats – they tend to look flat over time.

The 2.7L produces 210 horsepower and around 188 lb.-ft. of torque, certainly enough to make this 911 a fun weekend driver. The seller notes he doesn’t see any evidence of rebuilds, and I personally think this is wonderful. The listing does confirm that the 911 was maintained consistently since new, including a recent brake job and thermostat replacement, which goes to show you that ongoing maintenance and regular driving is the best option for keeping an older car on the road and enjoying it for decades. This is the kind of 911 you buy when you fully intend to drive it, and not stare at it.