2000 Porsche Boxster S (986)

Highlights

• 3.2 litre flat six and manual gearbox

• Just two owners from new

• In current ownership for 23 years

• Extensive OPC / specialist servicing history

• Upgraded folding roof with heated glass rear screen

Overview

Arguably one of the most important cars to Porsche’s modern-era success, the Boxster (along with the Cayenne) saved Porsche at the turn of the century, during a time when sales were slowing and costs were creeping up. Designed to emulate 90% of the 911’s DNA and appeal but in a far more conventional two-seat, mid-engined layout with double the luggage capacity, the Boxster was aimed squarely at having mass-market appeal, and thankfully for Porsche, it hit its mark, and then some!

These days, the 986 (in both S and non-S forms) has been enjoying somewhat of a resurgence amongst both old-hat Porsche enthusiasts and new ‘youngtimers’ that are taking their first steps into Porsche ownership. Long gone are the days where the 986 was looked down on as a ‘poor man’s Porsche’ and instead they are being seen for the practical, engaging and genuinely impressive cars that they are, with many enthusiasts (this writer included) having had both a 911 and a Boxster, and enjoying the latter far more.

With an extensive range of independent specialist and OPC support, as well as being eligible for Porsche’s ‘classic’ membership, the 986 has truly come of age in recent years, which means prices are likely to only go one way. Thankfully, for now, the 986’s popularity has kept it in the realms of affordability, but if you’ve been on the fence about getting one for yourself, we’d suggest you move before it’s too late. 

This particular 986.1 has been in the care of the current owner - only the second from new - for the last 23 years, during which time it has enjoyed a full Official Porsche Centre/ specialist service history and documented maintenance regime. Initially used on a very regular basis, recent years have seen this 986 S step back from daily duties and, as such, the choice has been made for it to be moved on to pastures new.

Arguably, anyone looking to step into the world of Boxster ownership should start right here at the top of the totem pole. Yes, the 2.7 and 2.9-engined variants have their own appeal, but for those looking for a daily driver that has a little extra punch over its stablemates (as well as an extra gear ratio from the factory) the S makes for an attractive first port of call, and that’s exactly what we have on offer here…

History and documentation

• Registered 16 Jun 2000

• Delivered new by HR Owen Hatfield

• Only one former keeper

• Stamped service book with OPC / specialist services as follows: Mar 2001 @ 4,326 miles, Jul 2002 @ 11,985 miles, Aug 2003 @ 16,381 miles, Feb 2005 @ 20,258 miles, Jun 2006 @ 25,356 miles, Aug 2008 @ 30,711 miles, Jul 2010 @ 37,313 miles, Jun 2011 @ 47,143 miles, Jun 2012 @ 56,831 miles, Jun 2018 @ 63,651 miles, Jun 2019 @ 65,303 miles, Jul 2021 @ 67,507 miles, Jun 2023 @ 68,884 miles

• Full document pack

• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates from throughout 23-year ownership

• Two keys, one original and one new

• Current MOT expires 24 Jun 2026, with advisories for corroded or covered in grease/other material, cracking/perished front tyres, a minor oil leak, and an inoperative registration plate light

• V5 present in owner’s name

• Rear discs and pads replaced in Jun 2024

• New radiator fitted at the time of 2023 service by Autostrasse

• Both air-conditioning condensers replaced in 2019

Interior

• Metropole blue leather interior in very good condition

• Original Becker CDR-22 unit

• Contrasting silver roll-over hoops

• Hard-backed sports seats

• Light scuffing on the centre of the passenger seat base

• The leather seats show the usual levels of patination expected from a roadster of this age, but present well overall with some more noticeable patina to the outer driver’s seat bolster

• OE Porsche overmats in good condition

• Although ISOFIX child seat fixings were not an option on Boxsters of this era, a previous owner has had some fixings installed which reportedly allow the fitment of an ISOFIX seat to the passenger seat

• Typical signs of wear to the centre console, shifter and steering wheel

• Options sticker present underneath the ‘frunk’ - a good indicator of the car having its original bonnet

• The frunk itself is tidy and clean, and the full complement of tools and extras are present

• The rear luggage compartment is also tidy and free of any obvious damage or staining

• No reported faults or issues

Exterior

• A well-loved example of the original Boxster, finished in the lesser-seen hue of Ocean Blue Metallic 

• The front end exhibits the usual smattering of stone chips that adorn a performance car that has been used and enjoyed

• We note a larger scratch along the rear of the offside side skirt, leading in to the rear offside arch

• The rear of both front arches exhibit the usual stone chips / wear 

• Factory Litronic headlights in great condition with no sign of damage to the lenses, but perhaps a full polish/cut would be beneficial to their finish

• All four wheels are in good condition with some minor blemishes, but the recent MoT examination noted the front tyres are perishing and need to be replaced

• Looking closer, we’d point out a scratch on the nearside rear wing just ahead of the rear light unit, some stone chips on the wing mirrors, and scuffs on the offside door/rear wing

• Lacquer peel noted around the upper edge of the nearside door aperture

• Scratches to the lower portion of the front bumper

• Up above, the roof - with heated glass rear screen - looks to be in great condition with no rips or tears, and no reported faults in operation

• Overall, a very usable example of the now-iconic 986 S that could be taken to the next level aesthetically, should the next owner wish to do so

Mechanical

• 3.2-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine, producing 254bhp from the factory

• Desirable six-speed manual gearbox, sending power to the rear wheels

• No reported modifications from factory specification

• Reported to be running and driving well, with the seller saying that although it has been used sparingly in recent history, it still behaves as it should, with the only known issues being those highlighted on the recent MoT exam

• OPC / specialist servicing history from new

Summary

Boasting a powerful 3.2 litre flat six and a six speed manual gearbox, the 986-era Boxster S is a very capable blend of sports car thrills and everyday usability.

This example is finished in the lesser-seen and desirable shade of Ocean Blue metallic, and features  a number of desirable factory optional extras. Usable and enjoyable as it sits, but with a few areas of TLC that offer the next owner the chance for some fettling over the winter months, this 986 S would make for a great daily driver or weekend toy year-round, or perhaps the ideal companion for some cross-continental travels next season. 

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 Braintree, Essex