We have covered quite a few Porsche 356’s here on Barn Finds along with a smattering of 911s, 912s, and 914s. Today, we have a 911, but it’s a ’64, the first year for what is arguably, one of the most famous and recognized sports cars of all time, and a model designation that is still in use today, 57 years later. This 911 is located in Sheridan, Wyoming, and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $102,100, with 30 bids tendered as of this writing.
Starting life as Model 901, the Porsche changed the designation to 911 in short order as the result of a complaint filed by another auto manufacturer that claimed dibs on that naming convention. The 911’s job-one occurred in September of 1964 and the first example imported into the U.S. occurred in early 1965. The 911 has been through too many twists, turns, and variations for me to provide, here, the appropriate justice that it deserves. It has been a thorough success worldwide as the one-millionth copy rolled off of the Stuttgart, Germany assembly line in 2017.
The listing for this Porsche is not totally clear. Stated is, “Includ(ing) original engine and transmission currently running with Weber carbs. Original Solex carbs and airbox included in the sale“. But what it does not tell you is that the engine is not installed. The seller further adds, “Car is not ready to drive home so it will have to be shipped“. That’s a safe bet! The first clue that the 130 HP, 2.0 liter, “boxer” six-cylinder engine is not residing where it’s supposed to, is the rear-high attitude of the car. Of course, the image of the uninstalled engine is a pretty good cincher too – and why it wouldn’t be installed to help with the sale is a real head-scratcher. The transmission referenced is the standard four-speed manual transaxle.
Well, it’s white now but other colors seen adorning this Porsche include, silver, blue and red. The seller states, “Overall the sheet metal on this car is very solid and has had no areas replaced” Maybe overall, but this image is a bit shaky looking and the body surface rust looks pretty invasive. While there is no obvious evidence of crash damage, a potential buyer would want to check this 911 out comprehensively, topside and bottom side – rusted floor pans are mentioned as a problem area, so there could be more. Whether all of the trim is available or not is uncertain, an inquiry would need to be made. Finally, the seller suggests, “Drive as is with patina or restore fully” The basic assumption is that this activity could not occur until the engine has been reinstalled but drive with this “patina”? I have seen passable patina on any number of cars and trucks, and “passable”, this isn’t IMHO.
Instead of including images of other Porsches, it would have helped if one of the supposed black interior had been inserted, unfortunately, I have nothing for you to review. The only claims regarding the interior are, “wood dash facia and 4 button upper dashboard, early simple one-piece lower knee pad, and 6 pleat front seat fabric”. I guess the assumption is that the prospective buyer will know what these details mean.
The seller suggests, “Even though it looks rough it is still a six-figure car“. Well, we’re there in the bidding now and the bid has doubled since I started this post three hours ago! My parting thought is good luck to the next owner, how about yours?
As soon as I saw the listing I thought there’s one that’s going to bring the money! Then I saw the current bid. Authenticity and date codes on all the parts are key for a early 911. Looks to be a much better starting point for restoration than most 911’s of this vintage. Strong bidding certainly reflect this. I’m sure the new owner will ensure it gets restored to the condition it deserves. Thanks for saving another one.
There’s a 901 at a local German car repair shop
here in Roanoke,VA (Martin’s).I stopped & looked at it
about a year ago.I overheard the owner say that they were
asking over $200,000 for it.It was a finished/restored car.
They also have an early 2000’s Ford GT in the showroom.
I would guess if it had 901 stamps or badging it would be worth A TON of money! Porsche reportedly changed all the 901’s to 911, but there have been rumors of one or two getting out.
I you are going to by a 1964 911 and the bid is at 102.000 you know what the interior looks like I WOULD BE SHOCKED if it doesn’t go for 150.000 +
A quick Google search shows the seller is will know in the Porsche world and has been compiling his collection since he was 18. I’d bet he’s spot on with his description. It will be interesting to see what else comes up for sale in the near future.
Steve R
It doesn’t say a thing about society.
Steve R
Then you are not paying attention, or worse yet, have the wrong opinion.
That’s funny, or at least would be, if you weren’t being serious.
Steve R
Steve R, you must be young son. When you get to be my age, you start to thinking about being eternally judged sooner than later. Looking back at life choices of how we used the money we were given, whether we used it wisely or not. I know that is a personal belief, and a choice. I think I have made, at least some acceptable choices in that regard, not all good ones, but more good then bad. I hope others’ choices are acceptable in the final end, but that judgement is yet to come. So, like you, I also do not find it funny, I find it deadly serious.
Good for you. You seem to be worried about being judged, yet you have no problem judging others with an arbitrary set of rules. Maybe that’s something you should focus on, but then again if making self serving proclamations about how people that have worked hard spend their money on a website dedicated to cars makes you feel better about yourself to right ahead.
Steve R
I live my life non secular but I do not attempt to make others adhere to my beliefs, though I have no problem expressing my opinions. Unlike others who wish to transform public policy through force to make such beliefs the law of the land, I trust that my own example will be admired in the house of the most high. My belief with money is that no matter how hard you think you worked to make it yourself, that is a fallacy, you were given gifts that allowed you to make the money. Money is the way things are done on this Earthly plain, and to use an unusual amount on frivolity while others are in need is not the bidding of the most high. Again, MY beliefs, maybe not yours, but if you subscribe to those ideals, even to a small extent, I advise you to look again at what you find important, it is never too late to change, until it is. Many a man will experience what he feels is his Nirvana while here on earth, only to find that he will miss out on an unimaginable reward later. Enjoy cars, by all means, but just as with anything, in moderation, do not give them more value in your life then you should. Trying to explain your self centered choices someday may be an unpleasant experience you may regret for eternity, and that is a long time.
this is probably part of the sheridan collection. there used to be (not sure if still) a pile of 911s and 912s stored away. this probably isn’t the only one he has…
Go to the eBay link. Not the only one he has by a long shot.
Multi-million dollar warehouse!
Yeah, we’ve been to the owner’s places, he lives in our hometown in Wyoming. It’s actually spread out between two locations in downtown Sheridan. It really is an impressive sight. Unfortunately, it looks like none of the cars have moved in the past decade.
Do know what was the final bid on this car on eBay?
Thanks
John Small and his cars in Sheridan are well known… do your research on Samba, Pelican, Early911S and you’ll see why most people are not too excited about this.
Gee. Auction ended early by seller. Surprise.
The new owner will have more $$ than he or she knows what to do with. Just wish I was that somebody.
This car completely restored will be worth a ton of “stupid money”!!