A small, more affordable Porsche that was true to the company’s rear-engined sports car DNA was a critical part of the company’s 1990s survival plan, with Project 986 being very much a make-or-break assignment after the early 1990s recession had hammered Porsche’s finances.
The brief of Project 986 was to emulate the appeal of the classic 911 in a package that could be sold for half the price - a ‘Baby 911’ for the mass sports car market, if you like.
The Boxster – as it became – was an instant hit when new and led to VW Group investing in (and ultimately buying) Porsche, securing its future. Today, the Boxster 986 is very much a modern classic and is remembered as one of the most important models in the company’s history.
This one is a really late example of the 986 – it was replaced soon after by the 987 in early 2004 – which means it’s as good, far-developed and well-equipped as a 986 can be. The vendor has always had open-top cars and has owned the Boxster for just over two years, but the arrival of a new dog in the family means he needs to sell the Porsche and find a four-seater convertible as a replacement.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
Private vendor, owned since 2021
MOT Jan 2024
Owner’s manual
Leather wallet containing all original booklets and documents
Selection of receipts and invoices from recent ownership
Service book stamped 14 times, up to 96,639 miles
Original build sheet with option code list documenting it as a 2003 UK LUX-spec car
THE INTERIOR
Smart Savannah Beige leather
Matching facings to dash, transmission tunnel, and centre console
Excellent seats, door trims and carpets with no notable damage
Optional glass wind deflector behind rear seats
Savannah Beige rollover hoops
Factory floor mats
White-backed sports dials
Black ‘Boxster S’ door kickplates
Spacesaver spare wheel
Original tool roll and jack
Cruise control
Trip computer
Automatic climate control
Aftermarket Blaupunkt stereo with USB and Bluetooth compatibility
Aluminium inlay to gear lever and handbrake
THE EXTERIOR
Basalt Black Metallic
18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, Continental tyres on the front and Toyo Proxes at the rear, all with plenty of life left in them
Excellent roof, in perfect working order
No notable dents or damage
Appears very good underneath
All original trim and badges present and correct
THE MECHANICS
3.2-litre naturally aspirated flat six
260bhp
0-60mph in 5.3 seconds
Six-speed manual gearbox
Well-maintained example
Drives absolutely spot-on with no known problems or issues
SUMMARY
If you’re looking for a really good example of the Boxster 986 and want one that’s as good as they get, then here’s your chance to get your hands on a very smart example, well maintained, carefully looked after and in great physical and mechanical order.
A really fun, affordable and prestigious sports car from one of the best names in the business – there’s a lot to like.
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
