2003 Porsche Boxster S

Description

The Porsche Boxster was the first all-new Porsche in decades, with a mid-engine design, it was also arguably the best-handling. All the 911's vices were excised, and the handsome roadster body was clearly a tribute to great Porsches of the past. And the coolest thing of all is that the design evolved slowly, so this 2003 Boxster S looks an awful lot like a newer model, especially with those wheels. Nobody but you has to know what a screaming bargain it really was.

Finished in Arctic Silver, this slick little roadster represents the best of Porsche design. Hard core enough to be a wonderful track-day weapon, but as reliable as a wood stove so you can drive it every day, no other car manufacturer has yet matched that combination. The shape is instantly recognizable, from the 911-inspired front end to the air intakes just ahead of the rear wheels, to the center-exit exhaust system, there's nothing else like a Boxster. This one has also been beautifully preserved and maintained by a Porsche enthusiast, and as a result shows no evidence of the daily grind. The nose is clean, the rockers haven't been shredded by sticky tires throwing up stones, and the finish is deep and glossy. Porsche quality is legendary, and even on a car that's now more than 10 years old, the fit and finish are notably better than most new cars being built today and you can feel it in every single component. It has never been hit and as a southern car all its life, it has never seen inclement weather. Like I said, it's easy to mistake this one for a much newer car.

The black interior features arguably better ergonomics than the venerable 911, along with plenty of stretch-out room despite the mid-engine design and folding top. Leather seats are grippy yet comfortable for long hauls and the leather seating surfaces show minimal wear and only a few signs of careful use. White-faced gauges are laid out in traditional Porsche fashion, with a big tachometer front and center and the other gauges to either side, and the fun-loving font on their faces shows that even the Germans have a sense of fun. Everything remains in very good condition, especially for a convertible from the south, further evidence that this car has been cherished throughout its life. Overhead, a black convertible top folds easily and stows neatly behind the seats. The forward section forms a flat deck surface, eliminating the need for a boot, and a wind block has been fitted between the seats. The Boxster also includes TWO trunks, one behind the engine in the usual location and one up front in, well, the usual location for a Porsche.

Porsche gave the Boxster S an upgraded 3.2 liter flat six, whose sonorous exhaust note and distinctive flat six sound will have you blipping the throttle under every overpass. As a mid-engine design, most of the service access is from underneath, which leaves those trunks fore and aft and giving this car the storage to be a legitimate long-distance cruiser. The engine fires up easily and pulls eagerly in all six gears, yet still manages impressive gas mileage for a car with this much performance. The suspension remains agile, the big brakes are highlighted by bright red calipers, and the overall look is augmented by a set of gorgeous 5-spoke 18-inch Porsche wheels, giving it an updated look.

Vintage Boxsters represent tremendous performance for the money, and this well-maintained example is ready for another decade of fun. Call today!