Description
When you think Porsche, you think 911. That’s a valid thought process, one that you almost certainly will be forgiven for making. Throughout the years though, Porsche has on occasion tried to shift that process, to develop their brand beyond, and challenge the Stuttgart status quo.
In the 1970s and 80s that meant building new and exciting models that were by definition the complete opposite to the 911, with a front engine, water cooled models like the 924, 944 and 928. Today, that looks more like family haulers and EVs like the Macan, Cayenne and Taycan.
But if there is one symbol of success outside of the 911 that Porsche can look to as a north star, it’s the Boxster. The car that up until the launch of the Cayenne, was its highest volume sales success. It brought the Porsche brand to a whole new market, with a mid-engined layout like the 914, but styling cues of the 996 generation 911, it was the birth of an icon.
This example is an early, 3. 2-litre Boxster S. It’s a C16 - UK specification car, finished in Artic Silver with a contrasting blue soft top. Despite its UK spec it was purchased new to Northern Ireland from D’leteren Porsche Centre Brussels, an interesting tid-bit.
The Artic Silver paintwork is in excellent shape, with a deepshine which is characteristically difficult to achieve on silver cars. The wheels are genuine 18” Porsche Turbo twist items, wrapped in a matching set of Pirelli tyres, they're a tasteful “OEM+” upgrade that leans into the shared design language of the 996 generation 911.
The interior is equally as tasteful, it’s finished in Metropole Blue leather which extends not only across the seats but also onto the doors and dash. The 2 way adjustable sport seats are not only electrically adjustable but also heated, which is ideal for those crisp winter days. There are leather bound floor mats with Porsche script accents and the steering wheel is the more desirable three-spoke item.
The optional Hi-Fi package means the sound system is excellent, further enhanced by an upgraded rear speaker kit fitted in 2017. Other interior upgrades include the Porsche silver centre console and cubby delete kit, updated centre vent, cup holder and Porsche gloss black switches fitted in 2021 and 2017 respectively.
The underside is what makes this Boxster standout from the rest, whilst values dropped many examples were under maintained. That is not the case for this car, having undergone a thorough suspension refresh. New Porsche M030 suspension kit and top mounts fitted in 2017, front and rear control arms in 2019 and 2020 respectively as well as a brake overhaul including rebuilt callipers, braided hoses and fresh fluid in 2021.
The engine is the 3. 2-litre flat-six which produces a plentiful 247bhp, it’s mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox which as a package propels the boxster to sixty in around five and a half seconds. The engine runs well, and thanks to the sports exhaust offers an envious soundtrack.
The car has an extensive service record that covers its whole life;
07/ 2024 - 55, 512 miles - Replacement Alternator Pulley - Porscha Care
04/ 2024 - 54, 579 miles - Major Service - Porscha Care
10/ 2023 - 52, 810 miles - A/ C Service & Brake Service - Robbings Motors
03/ 2023 - 50, 969 miles - Service - Portiacraft
03/ 2022 - 48, 668 miles - Service - Precision Porsche Specialist
04/ 2021 - 45, 589 miles - Service & Brake Overhaul - Precision Porsche Specialist
04/ 2020 - 42, 219 miles - Service - Precision Porsche Specialist
01/ 2018 - 35, 919 miles - Service - Porsche Centre Tonbridge
08/ 2017 - 32, 614 miles - MAF Sensor Replacement - Paragon Porsche
01/ 2017 - 30, 732 miles - Service - Porsche Centre Tonbridge
05/ 2013 - 28, 596 miles - Service - Independent Porsche Specialist
07/ 2011 - 26, 738 miles - Service - Porsche Centre Belfast
12/ 2009 - 25, 307 miles - Service - Porsche Centre Belfast
08/ 2008 - 23, 141 miles - Service - Porsche Centre Belfast
08/ 2007 - 18, 610 miles - Service - Porsche Centre Belfast
06/ 2006 - 16, 504 miles - Service - Porsche Centre Belfast
06/ 2005 - 14, 499 miles - Service - Porsche Centre Belfast
05/ 2004 - 11, 908 miles - Service - Porsche Centre Belfast
03/ 2003 - 10, 533 miles - Service - Porsche Centre Belfast
05/ 2002 - 8, 759 miles - Service - Porsche Centre Belfast
All of this work has resulted in a Boxster that drives as well as it did the day it rolled off the production line. Finely balanced, lightweight and an utter joy to drive. It’s a car that makes you feel truly special, and you can feel every drop of Porsche DNA every time you jump behind the wheel.
Because the Boxster was so successful, the market was inundated with cars that resulted in dropping values which ultimately led to many examples being poorly maintained, or at worst left to rot. This car could be no further from that, it has been loved, and meticulously cared for from the day it was delivered.
It might just be the perfect opportunity to dip into first time Porsche ownership, or explore the joy of the early Boxster’s simplistic driver focussed nature.
As with all our vehicles, a full digital folder is available on request containing more images, walk-around videos, and scans of the service history. The car can also be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.
