Highlights
• Fully stamped Service book
• Freshly rebuilt engine
• Refurbished interior
• New oil seals and IMS bearing
Background
The first-generation Boxster (the 986) was introduced in late 1996 and was powered by a 2.5 litre flat, six-cylinder engine. Harm Lagaay's design, inspired by the 356 Speedster and 550 Spyder, stimulated a commercial turnaround for Porsche.
It is widely agreed that the introduction of the Boxster helped save Porsche from acquisition. It was Porsche's first water-cooled, mid-engine sports car as opposed to the 911 which has its engine in the rear.
This layout provided a low centre of gravity, near-perfect weight distribution and good handling. The Boxster was Porsche's biggest volume seller from its introduction in 1996 until the company introduced the Cayenne in 2003.
It is widely agreed that the introduction of the Boxster helped save Porsche from acquisition. It was Porsche's first water-cooled, mid-engine sports car as opposed to the 911 which has its engine in the rear.
This layout provided a low centre of gravity, near-perfect weight distribution and good handling. The Boxster was Porsche's biggest volume seller from its introduction in 1996 until the company introduced the Cayenne in 2003.
History
Registered on 1st October 1997, and delivered on the 3rd October 1997 this lovely Arctic Silver Boxster subsequently covered a steady mileage with its first two owners over the following seven years. Each owner cared for the car fastidiously, servicing when required.
In 2004 it was purchased by an ex-RAF pilot as a retirement gift to himself. At the time of purchase it had covered about 46,000 miles, and he enjoyed the car for the next 15 years whilst maintaining it in tip-top condition.
Serviced annually when sent for its MoT the miles increased steadily to a current total of just over 70,000. Unfortunately the owner became ill, and the car was acquired by the owner of the garage that had serviced it during his ownership.
It had developed a misfire and the garage owner decided that the Boxster deserved a bit of love and attention.. which turned into a major rebuild!
Now completed, the Boxster is almost as good as new, with virtually nothing left to be done.
In 2004 it was purchased by an ex-RAF pilot as a retirement gift to himself. At the time of purchase it had covered about 46,000 miles, and he enjoyed the car for the next 15 years whilst maintaining it in tip-top condition.
Serviced annually when sent for its MoT the miles increased steadily to a current total of just over 70,000. Unfortunately the owner became ill, and the car was acquired by the owner of the garage that had serviced it during his ownership.
It had developed a misfire and the garage owner decided that the Boxster deserved a bit of love and attention.. which turned into a major rebuild!
Now completed, the Boxster is almost as good as new, with virtually nothing left to be done.
The Paperwork
The first thing to note in the history file is the nice, fully stamped service book from 1997 to this year.
There are reams of invoices for all the parts purchased during the rebuild, plus other invoices for items like a new battery.
There are reams of invoices for all the parts purchased during the rebuild, plus other invoices for items like a new battery.
The Interior
The interior has been thoroughly cleaned and refurbished and is in great condition.
The seats show some creases in the black leather through age, with no scuffs or rips even in the places that usually wear. The carpets are clean, the door panels and dash are all smart and unmarked.
The instruments are clear with no marks or crazing to the dials. The only item that shows some wear is the steering wheel, but altogether the interior is about as good as you could hope for car of this age.
The seats show some creases in the black leather through age, with no scuffs or rips even in the places that usually wear. The carpets are clean, the door panels and dash are all smart and unmarked.
The instruments are clear with no marks or crazing to the dials. The only item that shows some wear is the steering wheel, but altogether the interior is about as good as you could hope for car of this age.
The Exterior
The outside of the car presents well, with only a few marks here are there. Generally the paintwork is very good, but there are a few marks, particularly on the driver’s side rear wheel arch (see photos).
The Arctic Silver paint has a good shine, and we think this is the best Boxster colour. The glass is all unchipped, and the headlights and taillight plastic are fresh and show no cloudiness.
The wheels have all been beautifully refurbished, and are shod with matching Dunlops which are about 15% worn.
The black hood is clean and without any issues that we could see. The rear window is clear and unmarked, and it and the roof all folded away correctly.
The Arctic Silver paint has a good shine, and we think this is the best Boxster colour. The glass is all unchipped, and the headlights and taillight plastic are fresh and show no cloudiness.
The wheels have all been beautifully refurbished, and are shod with matching Dunlops which are about 15% worn.
The black hood is clean and without any issues that we could see. The rear window is clear and unmarked, and it and the roof all folded away correctly.
The Mechanics
This is where this particular Boxster stands head and shoulders above others of the same age.
The engine was completely rebuilt in 2020-21 and everything apart from the bearing shells, block and heads were either refurbished or replaced. The valves were decoked and polished as were the pistons.
New timing chains, IMS bearing and all important new rear main oil seal were installed. A new clutch, coil packs and spark plugs, O2 sensors, gaskets and O rings were included, as well as brake discs and pads.
To top it all a new Sports exhaust was fitted that gives the Boxster a particularly powerful sounding growl.
New timing chains, IMS bearing and all important new rear main oil seal were installed. A new clutch, coil packs and spark plugs, O2 sensors, gaskets and O rings were included, as well as brake discs and pads.
To top it all a new Sports exhaust was fitted that gives the Boxster a particularly powerful sounding growl.
After all this work was completed (with all the invoices on file), the Boxster was then sent for laser alignment and tracking. Unsurprisingly the owner reports it now runs and drives like a new Boxster!
The Appeal
Renowned for its pin sharp handling and entertaining drive, the Boxster is destined to become a classic.
Porsche’s first mid-engined sports car was a business saving sales success in period, and even now it’s easy to see why. This example has benefitted from careful maintenance throughout its life, plus it has the added bonus of a virtually new engine!
We are sure there will be no disappointments here!
Porsche’s first mid-engined sports car was a business saving sales success in period, and even now it’s easy to see why. This example has benefitted from careful maintenance throughout its life, plus it has the added bonus of a virtually new engine!
We are sure there will be no disappointments here!
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