Porsche Boxster 986 Model

I truly adore the 981 Boxster GTS, but this time, I was fortunate enough to get behind the wheel of its ancestor, the first-generation 986 Boxster.

The body color is a silver that appears to be Arctic Silver. The interior is a terracotta leather, a reddish-orange hue reminiscent of the Carrera GT—truly stunning. Both exterior and interior are in excellent condition, with only about 40,000 kilometers on the clock. This is a superb 2001 Boxster S model paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.

When the 986 Boxster first appeared, I had the impression it was “too rounded and not very Porsche-like,” but seeing it now, the blend of old and new design elements is masterful and very cool. Especially the headlights, once mocked as “tear-shaped,” now look like a wonderful fusion of classic and modern design through today’s eyes.

Perhaps it’s only now that this design’s true value is being recognized. The 996 911 is similar—designs that once felt odd now carry a unique charm. That’s how much Porsche’s design was ahead of its time.

Truly cool when seen today

The Origin of the Porsche Boxster

This was my first time driving a 986 Boxster. I’ve driven the 981 and 718 Boxsters many times, but I was excited to experience this foundational model firsthand.

Sitting in the seat, the soft, Porsche-typical cushioning embraces you. It looks like it would be comfortable even on long drives. While the seat’s hold isn’t as firm as current models, it still provides ample support.

The engine start-up is noticeably quieter compared to modern Porsches. Still, the flat-six engine’s distinctive, pleasant sound remains. The clutch is heavier than today’s cars but not uncomfortably so. The shift feel has just the right weight and rigidity—this is what a manual should feel like.

Engaging first gear and pressing the accelerator, the clutch engages smoothly, and the start is seamless. As you open the throttle, the revs climb smoothly. You can feel the direct connection between throttle input and engine response.

A Driving Experience Full of Analog Charm

Once underway, there’s no sense of lacking power. The 252 horsepower is fully on display as you push through winding roads. What’s at work here is a chassis that doesn’t rely on electronic aids but has excellent natural qualities.

Turn the steering wheel, and the car changes direction with a moderate roll. The mid-engine layout delivers natural cornering ability, with body roll stopping at just the right point, allowing you to exit corners confidently without any unease.

Like a relaxed athlete, it offers just the right softness while delivering sharp handling. Even the 981 GTS feels stiff compared to the 986. Honestly, moving from the 986 to the 981 GTS feels almost like stepping into a GT3. That’s how special the 986’s suppleness is.

The steering delivers road feedback directly. The grip limits are easy to sense, creating a strong sense of unity with the car. Weight transfer through throttle control is exactly as the driver intends. This is the pure analog driving feel where driver and car become one.

The engine sound is quiet but occasionally emits a pleasant “cone” tone. It’s not loud but has excellent sound quality. Unlike recent Porsches, there’s no electronic enhancement—just the engine’s natural voice transmitted directly.

Above 4000 rpm, the engine’s sweet voice fills the cabin. Revving to the redline raises the volume slightly, but it’s never intrusive. Instead, it’s pleasant and boosts your driving motivation.

The brakes are excellent. Pressing the pedal reliably reduces speed. The car remains stable under braking, giving the driver confidence.

This Is the Real Porsche

The 986 Boxster is a car that makes you want to say, “This is just right.”

A chassis with minimal electronic intervention and strong analog character, the pleasant sound of a six-cylinder engine, and the joy of a manual gearbox. I wasn’t racing down Venus Line in Nagano; instead, I wanted to keep driving slowly, feeling the engine’s vibrations. That’s the charm of the 986 Boxster.

Modern Porsches are wonderful, but this 986 model, which can be called the origin of driving pleasure, is special. The feeling of becoming one with the car without relying on electronic aids—that is pure driving joy.

The 981 and 718 are fantastic, but returning to the roots. The 986 Boxster, which embodies the essence of Porsche, is a must-drive for true Porsche enthusiasts.

The 986 Boxster is so complete that you feel “nothing more is needed.” It might just be the ultimate toy for adults with refined tastes.

Porsche evolves with the times, but that’s why it’s important to return to the roots. Driving the 986 Boxster lets you rediscover Porsche’s essence. Yes, Porsche is the pure joy of driving born from the unity of driver and car.

This joy is what the 986 Boxster teaches us. While owning the latest or top-tier models satisfies desire, it’s cars like this that truly convey Porsche’s driving appeal.

That’s why I wholeheartedly recommend the 986 Boxster. A car dedicated to the passionate, discerning adult Porsche fans.