2004 Porsche Boxster S 550 Spyder

Highlights

• One of 1953 produced 

• A tribute to the famous 550 Spyder 

• Only 50,000 miles from new

• Extensive documentation

• Manual gearbox

Overview

If you’ve always wanted to get your hands on a Porsche 550 Spyder, but couldn’t quite spare a few million quid for a genuine original from the 1950s, then you’re in luck. While there were 90 of these successful ‘giant killer’ racing cars produced between 1953 and 1956 — and famously actor James Dean was killed in one — you would need to spend several million pounds at auction if you wanted to acquire one. 

But there is another solution. In 2004 Porsche produced a special edition of their 986 Boxster to celebrate 50 years of the 550 Spyder. They built 1,953 examples of the model, each bearing a numbered plaque on its centre console. Mechanical improvements included lowering the suspension by 5mm, and fitting a newly designed stainless steel exhaust system, which helped to boost the power and produce a zingy exhaust note. 

The car we have for sale here has only just ticked over 50,000 miles, and comes with an enormous amount of documentation. This includes an impressive range of original owner’s manuals and information booklets. This Porsche has been regularly serviced by both Porsche workshops and independent specialists. 

Deep Cocoa Brown leather upholstery is a feature of the Anniversary model, and gives the interior a warm ambience. The car remains in excellent condition inside and out, with only a few small scuffs and scratches to be found. 

The vendor tells us that they are only selling this Boxster because they are emigrating. And they even looked into taking the car with them, but it was prohibitively expensive. So now you have the chance to acquire a very tidy example of this desirable limited edition Porsche 986. 

History and documentation

• Registered June 1st 2004

• Stamped service book with services as follows: Jul 2005 @ 4,207 miles, May 2006 @ 7,716 miles, Aug 2008 @ 16,239 miles, Jul 2009 @ 21,384 miles, May 2010 @ 24,309 miles, May 2011 @ 27,404 miles, May 2012 @ 30,075 miles, Jun 2013 @ 31,968 miles, Jun 2015 @ 34,597 miles, Jun 2017 @ 36,000 miles, Jun 2019 @ 38,242 miles, Jul 2021 @ 39,400 miles, Jul 2023 @ 45,628 miles, 

• Extensive original documentation and owner’s manuals

• Number 1045 of 1953 produced 

• PCM Navigation booklet and CDs 

• Driver's Manual Service booklet 

• Porsche Communication Management (PCM) booklet

• Maintaining Porsche Standards booklet

• Porsche Assistance Policy Booklet

• Porsche Approved Warranty Policy booklets (x2) 

• Boxster S Direct Entry Booklet

• Radio Booklet

• Porsche Classic Register Membership Pack

• Porsche Classic books 

• Copy of original 550 Anniversary document

• The owner notes that there is an amendment in the service book and they have the confirmation letter from Porsche Portsmouth. 

• Original roof operations card

• Large collection of invoices and old MOT certificates

• Current MOT with no advisories expires October 7th 2026

• V5 present in owner’s name

• Four former keepers 

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Sumptuous Cocoa Brown leather upholstery

• The leather remains in excellent condition, with a warm patina of use

• Slight creasing to the driver’s seat, but no obvious scuffs or damage

• There is a plaque on the centre console: ’50 Jahre 550 Spyder Limited Edition Nr 1045/1953’ 

• Electric seat adjusters

• Deep-pile carpets match the leather upholstery

• Leather-trimmed footwell overmats 

• There is a small stain on the driver’s door card, but no other obvious damage 

• One small hole in the carpet by the rear of the driver's seat

• Leather-trimmed steering wheel

• Climate control

• The leather continues onto the dashboard 

• Analogue instruments

• Original stereo/CD changer

• One of the CD trays has lost a button

• The headlining is clean and tidy

• Luggage storage front and rear 

• Original tool kit and first aid kit 

• Spare wheel with cover stored in the front boot

Exterior

• Finished in GT Silver paint

• The paint retains a good colour and deep shine 

• One small stone chip noted next to the nearside headlamp

• Small scuff on the nearside wing mirror casing

• A scratch near the driver/s door and on the nearside rear wing 

• A few scuffs and chips to the front bumper

• The body panels are well presented, with no damage that we could see

• There is a small dent on the boot lid

• 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels

• Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres — two replaced in 2023

• The wheels remain in excellent condition, with only a few small marks

• Porsche badges present and correct 

• Headlights clear and bright

• Heated rear windscreen

• Soft top roof in good condition

• A little creasing to the roof fabric

• Underside clean, with no oil leaks reported 

• Twin exhaust tips

Mechanical

• 3,179 cc six-cylinder engine

• Produces 264 bhp

• Six-speed, short-throw manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• This special edition features lower suspension and a stainless steel exhaust as standard 

• There is some corrosion to the suspension and exhaust components

• In July 2023 the spark plugs and auxiliary belt were replaced 

• Five new ignition coils fitted in 2017

• The battery was reportedly replaced in 2024 

• The vendor notes that a service is now due 

• The seller tells us that the car starts on the button every time, and runs well

• No warning lights or mechanical issues reported 

Summary

This is clearly not your average 986 Boxster. It takes this well-regarded model and adds a touch of 1950s glamour. A great way to liven up your daily commute, if you ask us. And even better when you’re sweeping around some country roads at the weekend, listening to that sonorous exhaust note. 

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 Felixstowe, Suffolk.