We had a different 911 slotted for this post that sold before we could get to it, and it was an entertaining specimen loaded with rust in all the worst places. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Montana D. who spotted it, we were able to slot this 1973 911T instead which isn’t nearly as much of a science experiment with prodigious amounts of rust to explore but an interesting car nonetheless thanks to modifications clearly made in a period when air-cooled 911s were still tarted up with bolt-on parts. Find this easily(?) restored 911 here on Hemmings.com for $39,500.

The duckbill spoiler is a popular modification among the owner groups that didn’t spend much to own their 911. It’s a lousy look for a car that sits on narrow stock wheels, but can be pulled off on cars with wider rear fenders and wheels. Really, you could say that for any of the typical aftermarket spoilers that grace 911s. If it’s not a turbo, or a turbo-look, the big spoilers rarely look good on a 911. This one also has some “creative” badge placements on the engine lid, as if the offset placement somehow fools passers-by into thinking the 911 is something it’s not.

One of the highlights of this 911 is the largely complete interior and Recaro bucket seats likely stalled in-period. The interior also features a sharp aftermarket steering wheel. I almost wonder if the lower-spec wheels were mounted just so the 911 would roll, as you can imagine how much better this modified example would look with a fat set of staggered rollers filling out those rear arches. Suddenly, the modifications start to look a lot better, even if the car would offend most purists’ sensibilities in its current form. On a positive note, the dash doesn’t appear to be cracked.

The 911 is, of course, not running. But if the body is solid underneath – meaning the floors aren’t filled with gaping holes – I could see this one becoming a pretty sweet “rat” of a 911. Sort the engine, fit a track-ready suspension, and buy some rubber and wheels to do those fenders right. Leave the flat paint in place, along with the Recaros, and maybe some choice performance modifications. I just noticed it has an aftermarket front bumper, too, which you could keep or sell to recoup the cost of new tires. The world needs more beater 911s – why not this one?