Few cars carry the same long-term significance as an early Porsche 911, and projects like this one tend to get attention no matter the condition. This 1965 Porsche 911, currently listed on eBay, is being offered in what the seller describes as very rough, unrestored condition, making it a true project for someone willing to take on the challenge.
As one of the earliest years of 911 production, a 1965 model represents the beginning of what would become one of the most recognizable sports car lineages in automotive history. These early cars helped establish Porsche’s rear-engine formula and have become increasingly sought after over time, especially when original examples surface—even in project form.
The listing is very straightforward about the condition. The seller states that the car is in “very very rough” shape and is being sold completely as-is. There’s no indication of mechanical condition beyond noting that they do not know whether the engine will turn. The engine itself is listed as a 2.0-liter flat-six, paired with a manual transmission, consistent with what you would expect from an early 911.
The car shows 75,416 miles, although with a vehicle of this age and condition, that number should be viewed as informational rather than definitive. The listing makes it clear that no restoration work has been attempted beyond basic cleanup, with the seller noting that they simply removed leaves and debris from the vehicle.
One important detail for potential buyers is the paperwork. The car is being sold with a bill of sale only, as Alabama does not issue titles for older vehicles. That’s something buyers will need to factor into their plans depending on their location and intended use for the car.
Despite the rough condition, early 911s continue to attract interest because of their historical importance and the strong market for restored examples. Projects like this often appeal to experienced restorers or collectors who understand what’s involved in bringing a car like this back.
There’s no attempt in the listing to present this as anything other than what it is—a very rough, early 911 project that will require significant work. At the same time, opportunities to acquire one of these early cars don’t come along every day, even in this condition.
For the right buyer, this 1965 Porsche 911 represents a starting point. The question is whether the challenge matches the reward.
Wow, Liz – what a find. There’s something intangible about Porscheophilia, like MoparLove, that just escapes me. But hey its a big world!
“…the seller noting that they simply removed leaves and debris from the vehicle.”
Did they remove the body(ies) that were entombed with this crispy critter?
I wonder, how you would get this car home? Could it be loaded onto a flatbed?
If the buyer just wants the VIN tag, that’s one pricey VIN tag.
Testing
Several German phrases come to mind, den letzten Rest zusammenkratzten( scrape the last bit together) or das Allerletze( the absolute last or worst), both meaning “bottom of the barrel”. I’m not sure exactly, what kind of person would go for this, I think it’s terrible someone would even consider something that has sat for so long, suddenly feels it’s worth $17grand. A new low for the hobby and I’m not even into Porsches, thank goodness.
I found a car at the bottom of a quarry while scuba diving years ago. It looked much like this.
“The question is whether the challenge matches the reward.” As it is with many of those here at BarnFinds, Elizabeth, there’s a point whether it’s truly a labor of love versus the fiscal. This being an excellent representation of the early Porsche 911’s insofar as the lack of creature comforts and focus on being a driver’s car it may attract a fiscally endowed diehard patient with acute Porscheophilia (excellent diagnosis, Dr. Fahrvergnugen!!).
Good subject, Elizabeth and good rhetorical
Price too high or not I’d take the 356 on long before I’d do this one.
$17,500? WOW. I suppose anything can be saved but should it be saved? Just because I like to Tinker with the older engines I would love for the opportunity to see if I could get it running but for the rest of it I would have to defer to someone who knows the value of these cars better than me.
Interesting, that’s the 2nd Porsche shown here that was safely stored in a pond.