The Porsche 993-chassis 911 is one of the most sought-after air-cooled models on the planet, and it’s been this way for well over a decade. You really can’t touch these cars for under $80,000, which is why today’s example is compelling for anyone who’s been sitting on the sideline. There’s a strong likelihood that the details of this car may shock some of you, because it has nearly 180,000 miles and is still going for $75,000. The good news in the case of this particular 993 listed here on eBay is that the next owner will benefit from a recent engine rebuild which should help it reach 300K miles with ease.

The reason the 993 is the epitome of 911 ownership for many enthusiasts is twofold: for one, it is the last air-cooled 911, which means it will forever be cherished by Porsche fans. The transition to water-cooled engines in the 996 generation led to lots of gnashing of teeth and hand-wringing that continues to this day. The other reason the 993 was so loved was because it made it possible to drive a 911 every day. The previous 964 generation was fairly refined, but the 993 was a significant leap forward in terms of creature comforts and quality. Put simply, the 993 was the best all-rounder, and is still thoroughly modern by today’s standards.

To understand the appeal of the 993, it goes beyond the classic 911 form. The interior features comfortable leather bucket seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and decent HVAC controls. The seller reports that the air conditioning is weak, so it will need a recharge, and that the power sunroof is inoperative. Still, these are minor concerns in a car with nearly 180,000 miles, and the bigger news is that the 3.6L flat-six engine has recently been rebuilt. On top of that, the 911 has been in single-ownership for 29 years, which is common among pristine, low-mileage examples, but far less likely when dealing with a vehicle that has the sort of mileage that this one does.

While I will forever question the Porsche owners that yank out an engine with 20,000 miles on the clock to re-seal it over an isolated oil leak, there’s little doubt that it was time for a proper refresh with the sort of miles this 911 has racked up. The seller notes that the clutch and flywheel were replaced when the engine was removed. The bigger question is whether this was a true rebuild or simply a reseal; the latter is far more common among 911 owners. Still, it doesn’t change the fact that it apparently has been steadily maintained at the Porsche dealer in Palm Springs, which likely means the engine was in good health before it was removed. This 911 is not cheap, but it’s likely one of the most affordable 993 coupes you’ll see for some time.