Highlights
- Fantastic history file
- Superb leather interior
- Porsche Classic Communication Management+ system
The Appeal
In the early 1990s, Porsche was struggling. What the company needed, to keep pace with its fast-modernising rivals and to balance the books, was a two-seater sports car that could share common parts with the next-generation 911; the answer was the Boxster, styled by Pinky Lai and Grant Larson. The concept car made its debut at the 1993 Detroit Motor Show, and production ‘986’ models appeared in Europe in 1996, arriving in the UK in 1997. The car was a revelation, and with Porsche quickly overwhelmed by the demand a speculators’ market soon appeared.
With sparkling performance and handling but modest fuel consumption, the car was practical enough for everyday use, and the first-generation model continued, with revisions, until the ‘987’ version arrived in 2005. It was the most successful car Porsche had made, until the Cayenne SUV came along.
This first-generation example was highly specified when new and has been carefully maintained by the vendor, with many of the usual Boxster issues addressed; it’s ready to be driven and enjoyed.
The History and Paperwork
- Original leather folder
- Driver’s manual and other booklets
- 2 keys, one of which may possibly need a new battery
- Full service history, from Porsche specialists
- Manual for Porsche Classic Communication Management system
- Thick folder of invoices
- Current V5
- MoT until November 2023; advisories have been sorted
- £1900 spent in April 2023
The vendor bought the car in January 2021, having always wanted one. It’s been garaged throughout his tenure and, as evidenced by the folder of paperwork, has spent a lot of money to keep it in first-class condition and has added numerous upgrades. However, with two small children the car isn’t practical for family use and, as he owns other cars, he has reluctantly decided to part with it as he doesn’t use it enough.
The Interior
- Smart Boxster Red leather seats
- Leather-trimmed handbrake
- Extended leather on dashboard and doors
- Porsche Classic Communication Management+ system
- DAB radio, sat nav, Apple Play via touchscreen
- Air conditioning recommissioned in July 2022
- Superb Bose sound system
The car’s interior looks superb, and is in outstanding condition for its age and mileage. The leather seats have few signs of wear and no damage, while the leather on the dashboard and door panels looks superb.
The vendor has had a Porsche Classic Communication Management+ system retro-fitted, at a cost of around £1400, which offers DAB radio, sat nav and Apple Play, all through the existing Bose speaker system (an expensive option when new).
The carpets have been protected by Porsche-branded overmats, and have no wear, stains or damage.
The Exterior
- Superb Lapis Blue paintwork
- Refurbished wheels
- New hood with heated rear screen
- Wind deflector
- Second-generation lights on front and rear
The Lapis Blue paintwork is in extremely good condition and looks great. The vendor pointed out what is virtually the only blemish – a very minor ding in the driver’s door, that you have to look hard to see.
All four wheels have been refurbished, while the spare in the front luggage compartment has clearly never been used.
The lights both front and rear have been upgraded to ‘second-generation’ versions, and have no damage or misting.
The Mechanics
- 3.2-litre engine
- Six-speed manual gearbox
- DesignTek sports exhaust rear box, which gives a sporty but not intrusive sound
- April 2023 New front control arms, support arms and drop links (fixing two advisories on the last MoT)
- April 2023 Two new Michelin Pilot sport tyres (front)
- July 2022 Both air conditioning pipes replaced, new condensers and water pump
- July 2021 New exhaust rear box
- June 2021 New rear shocks, top mounts, control arms, support arms and drop links
- June 2021 New rear brake discs, pads, handbrake cables and wheel bearings
- April 2021 New clutch, dual mass flywheel and RMS, plus IMS seal and IMS inspected and confirmed already replaced with oversized bearing
- January 2021 New front shock absorbers and top mounts
- January 2021 New roof with heated glass window
As anyone who has owned a Boxster will confirm, access to the engine is complicated, which is why there are no pictures of the engine bay! However, the vendor has clearly spent a lot of money to get the car in first-class order, and he assures us that it drives and handles as it should – which is no surprise, browsing the numerous recent invoices. The first-gen Boxster is renowned for its handling, brakes and steering, and it’s clear that this one has had recent specialist attention in all these areas.
The IMS (intermediate shaft) bearing is the known weak-spot of early Boxsters, and the vendor took the car in soon after purchase to have the all-important upgrade done, only for the specialist to confirm that the work had already been done.
Summary
Originally viewed with scepticism by Porsche purists, the Boxster has matured into a genuine classic car. Values are on the up, as enthusiasts recognise the car’s ability and sound, well cared-for examples become harder to find.
Fun to drive, reliable and practical, the car is the clear leader in the two-seater sports-car sector of the ‘modern classic’ market – and it wears that prestigious Porsche badge. This example has been diligently looked after by the vendor (and previous owners) and has the paperwork to prove it, and comes to the market just as summer is on its way.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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