This may be the most original 1975 Porsche 914 2.0 in existence

True barn finds are few and far between, since most aren’t actually “finds” but rather cars that were simply stored and (nearly) forgotten. Barn find, garage find, storage find, Rip Van Winkle car—call it whatever you want, but this jaw-dropping 1975 Porsche 914 2.0 could be the most original 914 in existence.

Scheduled to cross the block on December 8 at RM Sotheby’s Petersen Automotive Museum Auction in Los Angeles, the German sports car was driven only 1141 miles before hibernating for more than four decades. Don’t believe the odometer? Check out the car’s interior, which looks showroom fresh; and its Nepal Orange paint, which has nary a scratch; and the Volkswagenwerk VIN plate, which looks like it was just installed. The only giveaway that the 914 isn’t brand-spanking new is its slightly oxidized rubber bumpers and a few nicks in the paint beneath the hood.

Offered without reserve, the Porsche carries an estimate of $40,000–$60,000. Average value of a 1975 Porsche 914 2.0 is $62,500 in #1 (Concours) condition and $31,200 in #2 (Excellent) condition.

Porsche 914 prices are already on the rise, and Hagerty auction editor Andrew Newton wouldn’t be surprised to see the RM car go beyond the high estimate, considering that “low miles and good color are a recipe for a big price.” Similar examples that substantiate that possibility include a 1974 Porsche 914 2.0 (with fewer than 5000 miles) that sold for $93,500 at Gooding and Company’s 2018 Amelia Island Auction and a 1975 Porsche 914 1.8 (3192 miles) that went for the same price at RM Sotheby’s 2017 Monterey event.

According to RM, the owner of the 1141-mile Porsche 914 purchased it new from Sandia Porsche Audi in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a gift for his then-girlfriend. According to the window sticker, the car was optioned with tinted glass, an intermittent windshield wiper, and the appearance group, which included a leatherette steering wheel, fog lights, dual-tone horn, center storage box with an armrest, leatherette boot for the gearshift, and center console with clock, oil temperature gauge, and voltage meter. Price was $7623.65, equivalent of about $36,212 today.

First registered on August 4, 1975, it received an oil change at 999 miles, on August 27, 1975. The 914 was driven a total of 142 miles in late ’75 before it was safely parked in the garage, and there it would slumber for 43 years. It seems the owner’s girlfriend preferred to drive his truck. Eventually, she also preferred to end their relationship. So the car sat in storage, untouched—thankfully in a dry climate.

The Porsche was recently detailed and had its fuel tank flushed and fuel lines replaced.

According to RM, “The interior looks virtually untouched, the car still boasts its original paintwork and original tires (included but since replaced), and the convertible top has never been removed. Importantly, the car still retains its original manuals with vinyl folio, a small bottle of Nepal Orange touch-up paint, and original window sticker. Undoubtedly one of the lowest mileage and most original examples extant, this 914 boasts a unique story that only adds to its amazing condition.”

The only question left to answer is just how high will it go?