2002 PORSCHE (986) BOXSTER 2.7

This Porsche (986) Boxster is an eminently usable example of the marque’s entry-level roadster, which was responsible for the manufacturer’s revival in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. It is powered by a mid-mounted 2.7-litre flat-six, which produces around 225bhp, and drives the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 130,261 miles from new.

An original UK-market car, this Boxster was first registered in September 2002, and its logbook now lists three prior keepers. The current owner acquired the car nearly 15 years ago, in November 2005. It is finished in its original colours of Basalt Black with a black leather interior, and comes with the rare factory hard top that remains in very good condition.

Today, the bodywork is in good order, with straight panels and even panel gaps. However, it is understood to have suffered from some minor damage in the past, with refurbishment carried out in August 2018, February 2011 and May 2006. There are no markers regarding any accidents on the HPI check though, so these repairs were evidently not to correct any severe damage.

Overall, the Basalt Black metallic paintwork presents well, having been previously resprayed. There are some general marks and blemishes across its surface, including stone chips to the nose and door mirrors and a small scratch on the driver’s door, which are commensurate with the car’s age and mileage.

The seller also notes that there are some small stone chips on the windscreen. The well-known automotive upholsterer ‘Dave the Trimmer’ in Bedfordshire repaired the soft top in July 2020, which now looks very smart, with no rips or holes.

The light lenses are free of cracks, though the headlights would benefit from restoration to remove some general age-related hazing. Elsewhere, the exterior trim and rubber seals are in respectable condition, although the ‘Boxster’ badge on the tail has broken away in one place.

This 986-generation model rides on a set of 17-inch, ten-spoke alloy wheels, which were refurbished in 2012 but would benefit from further attention as their silver-painted finish is starting to flake in a few places, revealing mild corrosion beneath.

Looking to the interior, the original black leather seats are in good shape, featuring relatively minor bolster wear. There are some general marks to the rest of the interior, including scratches on the centre console plastic, blemishes on the silver gear knob and a general sheen to the steering wheel’s black leather coating, which has worn smooth over the years.

It is also noted that the offside door pocket cover is marked, that the pocket’s spring needs to be replaced and the offside seat’s pivot point cover is loose. Despite these minor issues, the cabin is still an inviting, driver-focussed space, and is a fine example of Porsche’s dedication to ergonomics and quality. The seller is keen to note that the spacious front and rear boots have proved particularly useful on long road trips – something which is almost impossible to find on any other two-seater sports car.

The majority of the interior buttons, switches and electrical items work correctly, and there are no warning lights showing on the dashboard. However, the nearside window regulator is faulty and the original Porsche CDR23 radio is only intermittently functioning, while the seller also notes that there may be an issue with the air-conditioning system.

Mechanically, this engaging sports car has been well cared-for, having been maintained by a mixture of Porsche main dealers and specialist garages over the years. Its last minor service was carried out by specialist JZM Porsche in October 2019 at 128,872 miles, when the drop link dust covers were also replaced.

Prior to this, JZM performed a major service including spark plug replacement in October 2018 at 123,905 miles. In addition, they replaced the front coil springs, top mounts and bearings, as well as the auxiliary drive belt, engine undertray and brake fluid. A new temperature sensor was also fitted, and two of the exhaust gaskets were changed to rectify a minor exhaust leak.

Other work carried out during the seller’s ownership has included the replacement of the catalytic converter in August 2020, the installation of a xenon light kit in May 2019, the fitting of new front and rear brake discs and pads in April 2018 at 121,264 miles, and renewal of both the offside and nearside radiators in July 2017, among other items. Adding a level of extra security, a Meta Trak Tracker was also fitted in February 2020.

The seller notes that all previous services were carried out when due, by Porsche Hatfield from June 2006 to October 2012, and JZM of Kings Langley from October 2012 onwards.

The car’s last MOT test was conducted on 18 October 2019 at 128,872 miles, where it achieved a clean pass with no advisories, after initially failing due to split front drop link covers, which were replaced soon after. All four wheels are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tyres, which were fitted in January 2018, and described as being in good condition, with at least 5mm of tread remaining.

Accompanying this Boxster are its user handbook, driver’s manual, radio operations guide and the original catalogue for the Boxster and Boxster S. The seller is also including full documentation of its service and maintenance history from June 2006, two door and ignition keys plus one spare, the car’s original spare wheel, jack and four locking wheel nuts. As mentioned above, the rare original hard top is also included.

Somewhat polarising at its launch, the Porsche (986) Boxster is now rightly recognised as representing a major turning point for the marque, as well as being an agile, capable, and most of all fun, sports car.

Presented in honest cosmetic condition, and with lots of recent maintenance work to ensure it is mechanically strong, this Porsche (986) Boxster 2.7 represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a convertible that can be thoroughly enjoyed on the road in all seasons and weather conditions.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.