This 1977 Porsche 911 is an interesting opportunity for anyone following the air cooled market right now. Sure, it’s a convertible – not the most desirable – and it’s beat. Really beat. But it’s said to be pretty solid underneath and it has the slantnose conversion completed, plus it’s a desirable factory color that’s still visible in places. Originally a shade called Minerva Blue Metallic, this modified 911 would do well with a restoration back to its original configuration, because that color looks absolutely glorious with a set of black Fuchs wheels paired against it. There’s no drivetrain this forgotten project, so you’ll need to source an engine as well. Find it here on craigslist for $6,500.

There was a time when a 911 like this wouldn’t be up for grabs for $5,000, or even $4,000. Now, a convertible is slightly more desirable than a Targa, so it wouldn’t be kicked to the curb as quick as one of those. Still, a convertible with no drivetrain, and a half-baked slantnose kit with the fake strakes in the rear fenders just wouldn’t pass muster for most 911 buyers. But now, with the potential return on investment strong enough that you could return this one back to stock condition, install an engine, and paint it back to its original colors – well, you may have a fighting chance at making your money back. The salvage title could hold back some of that ROI, however. And here’s another thing: this looks all the world like it started out as a targa that was converted to a full-on convertible.

That’s not uncommon, because for a long time, the targa was the ugly ducking and it was far easier to turn one of those into a convertible compared to converting a targa into a hardtop. The good news is despite the missing drivetrain and potentially compromised identity, it at least comes with a dash, two bucket seats, and a rear seat. There’s also photos of door panels that presumably go with this 911 as well. The seller notes you’re going to need to source a carpet kit, a windshield, and likely a new top to keep things weathertight for whenever the interior is put back together. What I can’t quite tell is whether this 911 has been sitting outside, exposed to the weather, with the roof structure in shambles and the glass missing, or if it’s been indoors the whole time.

Ah, there’s that trace of Minerva Blue Metallic that is one of the prettiest air cooled colors you’ll ever see. I’ve said for a while that the right color can make all the difference in terms of justifying the restoration of a basketcase like this, and I hope someone else feels the same way. If the widebody and nose panel bodywork was done well, it may make more sense to leave that in place rather than embarking on whole tear-down. You can re-install the targa “hoop” without much work once you find one (but getting the rear glass will be more of a trick). Overall, this project is a bit messy, but it could be worth it – especially if you can bring that asking price down to an even $5,000. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Chuck F. for the find.