2007 Porsche Cayman (987) Porsche Design Edition 1

Highlights

• Rare Porsche Design Edition 1

• Number 383 of 777

• PASM as standard

• Six-speed manual

• Distinct Alcantara interior highlights 

Overview

In some respects, the Porsche Cayman was truer to the roots of the 911 than the contemporary 996 version of the legendary GT.

Smaller, lighter, cheaper and just as agile, the tin-top version of the second-generation Boxster was a car blessed with phenomenal handling, a beguiling flat-six soundtrack and stunning styling. Today, it’s one of the most compelling modern classic bargains there is – a whole 20 years since the model made its debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show to universal acclaim. 

Power came from a new 3.4-litre engine, derived from the 3.2-litre unit in the original 986 Boxster, with a power output of 286bhp in standard tune, or 303bhp as an ‘S’. Later revisions added more power. 

Whatever your budget, the Cayman offers one of the most incisive drives of all time. Its mid-engined layout gives it poise, while the engines offer naturally aspirated punch with decent economy. The Cayman is even sensibly practical thanks to its large front boot and luggage space under the rear hatch.

This one is quite a special one as it’s the first special edition Cayman, introduced in late 2007 to celebrate 35 years of Porsche Design. 

The Porsche Design Edition 1 was finished in an all-black colour scheme, with the gloss back bodywork set-off by matt-back bonnet and roof stripes and matching Porsche Design graphics on the car’s side panels. 

This was complemented by a black leather interior on the seats, dashboard, and door trim, as well as a black Alcantara steering wheel, gear lever, handbrake grip, and headliner. The model also got Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard, along with 19-inch 911 (997) Turbo wheels with 235/35 ZR 19 front and 265/35 ZR 19 rear tyres. 

A Porsche Design script on the instrument dials, stainless steel entry plate engraved with "Porsche Design Edition 1", all-red rear taillights and a numbered plaque on the glovebox cover completed the package– in this case number 383 of the 777 cars made, less than a quarter of which came to the UK.

It’s clearly a well-loved and well-maintained car, enjoyed by the vendor for two years and with its previous owner for six years before that, and having covered a documented 67,000 miles from new. 

If you want to get behind the wheel of a mini-911, as well as a rare special edition Porsche, then here’s your chance. 

History and documentation 

• First registered on 8 December 2007 and supplied new by Porsche Centre Exeter

• UK V5C in the current owner’s name

• MOT valid to 30 April, 2026 – passed with no advisory notices

• Porsche handbook 

• Two keys

• While there is no service book, the car comes with a letter confirming it was serviced four times by Porsche Centre Exeter in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2016. After that, there are independent specialist invoices for 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2025

• Most recent invoice is for a service and two new lower arms in April 2025

• No 383 of 777 made

• Certificate documenting a Williams Racing paint protection package, applied by previous owner in 2018

Interior

• Smart black electrically adjustable leather sports seats in good overall order, with some minor wear to driver’s side seat bolster

• Alcantara door cards, steering wheel and gear lever, included in the Porsche Design Edition 1

• Porsche Design Edition 1 kickplates

• Carpets and door cards in good order

• Original tool kit

• Climate control

• Fully functional PCIM factory audio/infotainment system

• Factory sat nav

• Glass rear window

• Genuine Porsche mats

• Numbered build plaque on passenger side of dash

• Both cupholders work

• Some light scuffs on inside of luggage area

Exterior

• Original Porsche Black paintwork in smart overall condition 

• Completely standard and looks fantastic

• 19-inch 997 Turbo alloy wheels with Bridgestone tyres all-round, wheels in good overall condition

• Very minor stone chips around front end

• Underside appears sound with some light surface corrosion

• One small mark on underside where it looks like the car has scuffed a speed bump – but does not affect it in any way

• Some very minor deterioration to side graphics

• Ceramic paint protection applied in 2018 and the car still looks great and maintains a deep shine

Mechanical

• 3.4-litre flat-six

• 295bhp

• 0-60mph in 5.4 secs

• 171mph top speed

• Six-speed manual transmission

• Suspension lowered by 10mm and full PASM active suspension management

• Four-piston alloy brake callipers in red, with drilled and grooved discs

• Brake pads and tyres replaced within last 6,000 miles

• Recent borescope inspection shows no signs of bore scoring

• Recently serviced
• The seller reports an occasional creak when turning left or right on the move but that otherwise the car drives without fault

Summary

When it comes to sheer driving pleasure, the 987 Cayman is a pretty tough car to beat, with unrivalled agility, fabulous handling and an addictive soundtrack – and that’s before you even consider its fantastic mini-911 styling. 

All of the above is compelling enough – but when you add in the fact that this is an ultra-rare special edition that’s pretty much a guaranteed future collector’s car, and you have an opportunity that’s impossible to ignore. Don’t because it won’t be here forever…

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Kent.