Those looking to get into vintage racing might do a whole lot worse than this 1964 Porsche 356 C located in Fair Oaks, California. Available here on eBay, the current bid is just shy of $27,000 with four days left to go on the auction. As we’ll see, this one has a long road ahead of it before it hits the track, but the end product should be well worth the effort.

The 356 C was the last in the 356 line, making its debut in 1964 alongside the new 911. Production of the C only lasted through two year models, with the last examples rolling out of the factory in early 1966. This example comes with the 1.6L Type 616/15 boxer four, the base engine for the model and good for 75 hp. Also available were two variations on the SC engine, rated at 95 hp, and the four-cam Carrera engines, good for 130 hp. There is no word on whether this engine is original to the car.

If 75 horses doesn’t seem like a lot of power, keep in mind that the car was exceptionally light, with a curb weight of under 2100 lbs. This one, unfortunately, is a bit lighter: not only is a good deal of the interior missing, but rust abounds. The most serious issues are the floors and the wheel wells, but the “great blistering bubble patina” will likely require attention– and soon. The front seats are present and come with the car, as well as some parts for the rear seats, but there is no telling from the pictures in the listing what might be missing. The seller does mention that he has more pictures and a video for those who are interested.

The race-inspired modifications, from the leather hood straps to the GT mirror to the headlight grilles, seem to be a story in need of an ending. They present the new owner with two clear paths: either take this example all the way into outlaw country, or return it to showroom perfection. Perhaps there is a suitable middle ground here, but the classic beauty of the 356 will always inspire extreme emotion in the heart of the true enthusiast. It remains to be seen where passion and perseverance will deliver this representative of an iconic marque.