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.
With a dust broom into multiple garbage cans for transport. Then empty said garbage cans onto your garage floor.
You could shovel it into a dump truck… Maybe there’s a decent engine and tranny case?
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.
The 356 from the other day is listed by the same seller, which is a salvage yard. It would be interesting to know if they came from the same place.
Steve R
$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.
Awe come
on … just needs a good wax job.
Interesting, that’s the 2nd Porsche shown here that was safely stored in a pond.
Both are listed by the same seller, a salvage yard.
Steve R
I hear there’s some pretty good fishing at that yard to….
There’s not much left to salvage there.
I have to wonder, 911’s have always been revered and prized, so why would someone just let this poor thing sit and moulder and dissolve? Is it possible the frame is no good or it’s otherwise somehow irreparably tweaked? And at that price I think it’s going to continue to sit.
April Fool…..
If you check Bring a Trailer on any given day, you will see 60 or 70 911s listed for auction. It seems like everyone is trying to get rid of one.
I made this comment on one 911 auction, but the moderators deleted it. It could be that the car isn’t that fun to drive. Especially for the price.
I had a used ’71 in 1980. Mine had maybe 120 HP, but a big fat power curve compared to a V8, and it stuck on the road (until it swapped the back end on ya). That was a big deal back then and I enjoyed it.
These days, that’s Corolla power. So yeah, the enjoyment is not in the performance anymore.
You said that there are “60 or 70 911s listed for auction” at any moment on BAT. Yep.
The Porsche name keeps the asking prices for 911s in the stratosphere, with little to justify it. These are not 356s. They are run-hard 911s, and they are everywhere, just waiting for pricey maintenance.
The real problem here is Porsche culture itself. Who wants to be a part of that? Who wants to hang at a Porsche club outing in 2026?
Like BMW, what used to be an enthusiast nameplate has morphed into a ridiculously expensive “look how much money I have and I can’t drive it properly anyhow” brand.
They keep making them and selling them.
Snore.
15 minutes left and no bids. Look like an underwater recovery.
Plan B – buy a 911 that runs.
This will generate mega comments. Who, in their right mind would offer a hulk like this for sale? They must be joking.
Hard times bring out the junk. And the fanboi start to salivate .
I’d found an old tube type McIntosh amp and preamp in an old leaking barn that looked much like this car. Grudgingly paid $60 for them but who can leave McIntosh gear behind? Auctioned them off 3 years later thinking I’d get maybe a couple hundred bucks. Those things sold for $6,500! I laughed so hard! Those things were selling On eBay, beautifully restored, for that price. You just never know what a pile of junk will bring.
another rot bucket Porsche. 2 within a week. wonder if they were in the same lake next to each other
That poor old girl would best to be left as yard art. Cost MUCH more to put in shape than to find one already well sorted.
If you’re wondering how far a person will go to own own of these, here’s you answer.
I thought about contacting the seller & inform them
that April 1st isn’t for almost another week.
Am I imagining it, or is the door fit slightly off? 🤔
That’s the “air cooled” part of the ad!
Auction ended with 0 bidders.
It makes my head explode to think that I paid $12K for a very nice ’73 Targa in 2001 (and sold it like an idiot three years later for about the same money).
I agree that this car is not worth saving. However, I was given a 1979 Triumph Bonneville motorcycle that came out of a flood shed and was in horrible condition. I listed it on Facebook Marketplace for $200 thinking “nobody’s going to want this thing unless they want it for parts”. But, amazingly, I sold it the day I listed it to a guy who says he’s going to restore it. So who knows what’ll happen with this Porsche? Maybe someone will buy it post-auction.
That body (Karosserie) number belongs most likely to a 1970 car. The new owner/ caretaker would be advised to ask for a birth certificate before buying to verify the build date. It might make sense to resurrect a 1965 car but looking at that heap of rust I´m not so sure. A 1970ies now way!
Just my two cents! (euro cents to point out!) Regards from Tyrol