Desirable manual gearbox Boxster S with 3.2litre 276bhp flat six engine
Full Porsche and Porsche specialist service history
Low owners
Attractive black metallic with black leather interior
MOT to November 2023
The Appeal
From the 1970s to 1990s Porsche tried and tried again to broaden its model range and become less reliant on the iconic 911. Only with the original Boxster of 1996 did they achieve that goal, creating a more affordable, mid-engined sports car that was the equal of its rear engine cousin.
That formula proved so successful that when the time came to replace the original in 2005 Porsche stuck to what it knew. The second generation 987 owed a lot to the original but only shared 20% of parts. Just like the earlier car it handled superbly, had excellent chassis balance and was quick. The 3.2litre S model was even quicker, delivering 0-60 in 5.5secs.
This Boxster S is from the first few months of 987 production and has the appeal of low owners, full service history by Porsche and Porsche specialists plus a long MOT. Presenting well in black metallic with black interior, it is nicely understated and ready for the summer.DSC03530-2.JPG14.77 MB
The History And Paperwork
First registered 7th May 2005
MOT to November 2023 with no advisories (just a record that the car has an underbody tray)
Fully stamped service book by Porsche and Porsche specialists
Last serviced at 82,827 miles in September 2022
Four owners
Good history file of old MOTs and invoices showing significant ongoing maintenance
The Interior
Black leather heated sports seats
Cruise control
Leather trimmed centre console
Porsche phone holder
Nokia Bluetooth phone connection
The exterior of the second generation Boxster may owe more than a passing nod to the svelte original, but inside everything was all new when the 987 was launched in 2005. Porsche focussed on improving the aesthetics, moving the Boxster away from the 911 – the first car shared an interior with its sibling – and improving the quality.
Consequently the 987 interior feels distinct from other Porsches and special place to be. The layout is neat and effective but unshowy, with clear dials and switchgear.
The black leather seats and door trims on this car are in very good condition, just a sheen on the driver’s seat indicating age and mileage. The driver’s seat bolster is also creased and shows small signs of wear. The leather trim on the fascia is also in good condition.
Elsewhere the signs of wear are limited and likely easy to repair. The driver’s door armrest is cracked and there is a scuff on the trim beneath the centre vents on the dashboard. The temperature adjustment switches, a common 987 weak spot, are also showing signs of wear.
The Exterior
Attractive black metallic paintwork in generally good condition
19inch Porsche alloy wheels
Falcon tyres fitted in September 2022
The original Boxster cleverly mixed the style of Porsche’s 1960s open top two seater, like the 550, with the family style of the contemporary 911. With such a sound template the firm chose to change little with the second generation car, merely enlarging the side vents and fitting headlamps from the Carrera GT. It all makes the 987 more purposeful, but without losing what was great about the original.
Porsche offered infinite ways for buyers to personalise their Boxster so the key when buying one is to find a car where the first buyer evidently had taste. This car fits that requirement, the subtle black metallic paintwork nicely offset by the 19inch Porsche alloy wheels and chrome detailing around the car.
The bodywork is generally in very good condition for an 18 year old car. Black is unfortunately not very forgiving with scratches and scuffs, but the handful on this car looks relatively easy to fix if the buyer wishes. There is 10-15mm scratch on the front bumper above the number plate and a chip on the rear edge of the front boot cover. There appears to be a scuff on the leading edge of the nearside sill, although this may as easily be dirt and therefore worth the buyer checking with the Seller to clarify.
The wheels are very presentable, but with slight kerbing visible. The nearside rear alloy has been kerbed and the nearside front alloy has a small number of chips and a scuff on the edge. The offside rear alloy is kerbed and has light corrosion around the centre cap.
The windscreen has a chip in the swept area that may merit attention before the next MOT.
There is a car cover with the car as shown in the photographs.
Full Porsche and Porsche specialist service history
Last service on 2nd September 2022 at 82,827 miles
Invoices for ongoing maintenance including shock absorbers, brake pads and discs, alternator and air conditioning condensors
The simple addition of a letter ‘S’ to the bootlid of this Boxster transforms the expectations of anyone following behind. A useful capacity hike to 3.2litres and power output boosted to 276bhp turns the already excellent Boxster into a proper supercar-bothering sports car.
This Boxster S naturally has that 3.2litre engine, useful hitched to the desirable 6spd manual gearbox.
Porsche engineering is legendary, but any Boxster buyer will still want to know the car has been properly maintained. This one has – a fully stamped service book with Porsche and specialist work at regular, scheduled intervals providing peace of mind. There are also many invoices for additional work, all by specialists, including new shock absorbers, alternator, battery and brakes. It has also had new tyres within the last six months.
The MOT runs to November 2023. There were no advisories, although the tester noted that the structure could not be fully checked as it is mostly covered by a Porsche protective tray. The 987 Boxster is not known for rot and the photographs of the underside indicate it is solid.
Summary
The Porsche Boxster is one of the most desirable and exhilarating two seater convertible sports cars of the last 25 years. The second generation car dialled up the performance and the quality and the 276bhp Boxster S, particularly with manual gearbox as here, is arguably the most desirable.
This car was nicely specified by its original owner and presents well. The full service history and thick history file play to careful owners. It is a deeply capable and hugely rewarding car and looks ready to spruce up any driveway as the days lengthen and the weather warms.
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.
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