SECOND COMING
The follow-up Boxster refreshed Porsche’s mid-engined product offering and spawned a cool coupe capable of delivering 911-baiting levels of performance…
After the huge success of the first-generation Boxster, the 987 had a lot to live up to. The same 914-inherited, midengined, rear-wheel drive, twoseat configuration was carried over to the newer drop-top, but it was far more in keeping with classic Porsche design language than the 986 and its controversial ‘fried egg’ headlights, which had angered many Porsche purists. The 987’s front end didn’t feature the round lights featured on the 997-generation 911, though. Instead, designer, Pinky Lai, took influence from the Carrera GT supercar’s nose. He also added larger vents to the 987’s rear quarters and expanded the wheel arches to accommodate nineteen-inch rims.
Like the 986, the 987 was clearly a close relative of its corresponding 911, but the need for Porsche to save money on design and assembly wasn’t as pronounced as it once was, allowing the new Boxster to carve an identity of its own. Even the arrival of the 987 Cayman fastback coupe in 2007 didn’t stifle the 997’s considerable sales, though marque specialists will admit the ‘mini 911’ is, in many respects, much better value for money.
Early 987s were available with a base model 2.7-litre flat-six producing close to 240bhp, while the Boxster S received a 3.2-litre version of the same engine, adding an extra forty ponies. As is the Porsche way, both engines were updated a couple of years into production, the entry-level 987 offering a slightly reduced 0-62mph sprint time, the S enlarged to 3.4-litres and a slight boost in power to 291bhp. A major revision of the range came in time for the 2009 model year, however, with Tiptronic S transmission ditched in favour of the then new PDK (Sport Plus) seven-speed gearbox. The standard Boxster engine increased to 2.9-litres of displacement, developing more than 250bhp. S power output was now rated at 300bhp.
Chris Lansbury, head of Suffolk-based Porsche servicing and sales outfit, PIE Performance, cites the 718 Rs60-inspired RS60 Spyder as his favourite 987. “Without doubt, it’s a future classic,” he tells us, citing the model’s limited series production (1,960 units, in recognition of Porsche’s win at the 1960 12 Hours of Sebring), its GT Silver Metallic paint, Carrera Red leather, red fabric roof, nineteen-inch Sport Design wheels,
Sport Chrono package, model-specific all-red rear light clusters, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), switchable sports exhaust and S-inherited 300bhp power output as key selling points. “Don’t get me wrong, a 3.4-litre 987 is a cracking car,” he beams, “but if your budget extends to an RS60, don’t think twice. Not only will you have all the benefits of 987 ownership, you’ll also be investing in a sports car that should reward you with a rise in value as time progresses.”
Whatever 987 you’re considering buying, be sure to scrutinise the car’s service history. Engine rebuilds aren’t cheap, so make sure everything is exactly as it should be. You don’t want to buy from a seller skipping service intervals or scrimping on running costs. If in doubt, ask a marque specialist to conduct an independent inspection. The price paid may save you from big bills later down the line.