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Porsche Boxster 986 (1st Gen)

The Boxster was initially unveiled as a concept in 1993 at the Detroit Auto Show, before going on sale in the summer of 1996 (as a 1996 model year in the United States). The first 986-generation Boxsters to reach U.S. shores were 1997 model-year base cars, equipped with a mid-mounted 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-six. Thanks to dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, and a dry-sump lubrication system, the engine was able to make 201 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, with a redline of 6700 rpm. Sending power to the rear wheels is a five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed Tiptronic automatic. The 0-60 sprint happens in 6.1 seconds, and top speed is 149 mph. With a curb weight just under 2800 pounds, it’s almost guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The car received a significant update in 1999 for the 2000 model year and continued to be developed and updated until 2004. See all of our 1st Generation Porsche Boxster Research.

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Porsche Life

1400 Mile Boxster S Road Test

Still a 911 Guy… But Curious I try not to be a 911 snob, but like most long-time Porsche owners, the rear engine, air-cooled 911 is – and always has been – “Top of the Pops” for me. Other makes and models invariably come up short. Certainly, the car has...
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The Market

Why You Should Buy a 986 Porsche Boxster Today

2003-2004 Boxster S 3.2 (aka 986 S Mk II)
If you’re reading this article, we have at least one thing in common: We love Porsches. Another thing we may have in common is that we want to get our hands on a Porsche that is not only fun but is also quick, fairly reliable, and affordable. Let’s face it,...
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Technical Information

Porsche Boxster – Inspection & Buying Checklist

30 Point Porsche Boxster Buying & Inspection Checklist In this guide, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive 30-point checklist, covering everything you need to check irrespective which generation Porsche Boxster you are looking to buy. We’ve even created a free, printable PDF version for each generation Boxster that you can...
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Common Problems

Porsche Boxster – Common Problems & What to Look For

Common Problems with the Porsche Boxster: What Every Buyer and Owner Should Know The Porsche Boxster, first introduced in 1996, has become an iconic mid-engine sports car, offering exhilarating performance, precise handling, and top-down driving enjoyment. Over four generations—986, 987, 981, and 718 (982)—the Boxster has evolved significantly, improving in...
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Porsche of the Day

Porsche Of The Day: 2001 Iconic Autobody 386 Speedster Homage

The Iconic Autobody 386 Speedster Homage pays a handsome tribute to the legendary Porsche 356 Speedster, built on the well-regarded 986-era Boxster platform. Created by Worcestershire-based Iconic Autobody, this unique model features bespoke coach-built bodywork over the dynamic 986-generation Porsche Boxster platform. Adorned in a stunning matte-grey shade with white...
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Porsche of the Day

Porsche Of The Day: 1997 Porsche Boxster

Porsche Of The Day: 1997 Porsche Boxster
The Boxster was initially unveiled as a concept in 1993 at the Detroit Auto Show, before going on sale in the summer of 1996 (as a 1996 model year in the United States). The first 986-generation Boxsters to reach U.S. shores were 1997 model-year base cars, equipped with a mid-mounted...
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Maintenance & Service Schedule

Porsche Boxster (986) Maintenance & Service Schedule

Service Schedule Porsche 986
1996 – 2004 Porsche Boxster Maintenance & Service Schedule The Porsche Boxster (986), produced from 1997 to 2004, was Porsche’s first water-cooled, mid-engine roadster, delivering balanced handling and timeless design. While Porsche originally recommended oil changes every 15,000–20,000 miles (or every 2 years), today’s best practice is changing the oil...
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Technical Information

Porsche Boxster 986 – Model Year Differences

986 Porsche Boxster & Porsche Boxster S Model Year Differences 1997 Boxster The 986 Boxster is introduced Technical Specifications: 201 HP 2.5 Litre engine with a 5 speed manual transmission or optional 5 speed Tiptronic (automatic). Early cars were produced in Stuttgart (11th digit of VIN is “S”) while later...
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The Story

Porsche Boxster 986 – The Story

1st Generation Porsche Boxster (986) Story & History Porsche Boxster (1997 – 2004) Date of unveil by Porsche AG: official photos in March 1996 (Geneva Motor Show) / Premiere: Journalist events from August 23, 1996 in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, public premiere October 3, 1996 Mondial de l’automobile Paris Motor Show...
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Porsche Boxster 986 (1st Gen)

Porsche Boxster S 550 Spyder 50th Anniversary Edition (2004)

In 2004, the Boxster S Special Edition, also called 550 Spyder Boxster S Special Edition was introduced with a production run of just 1,953 cars (paying homage to the 550 Spyder's year of introduction). 500 cars were made for the US Market. These were all painted in GT Silver Metallic, the same colour as the Carrera GT concept presented in 2000, and had unique cocoa-brown full-leather interior as standard with grey natural leather as a no-cost option.
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Porsche Boxster 986 (1st Gen)

Porsche Boxster S (2003 – 2004)

The Boxster S was revised along with its Boxster version in 2003. From the outside, the 2002 Boxster S featured an apron with three air-intakes, one more than the non-S version. The 3.2-liter unit was installed in the Boxster since 2000, but after the facelift it was improved by 10 hp, reaching 258 hp. It was paired as standard with a 6-speed manual, or a 5-speed Tiptronic (automatic) as an option. As expected, the manual version was quicker and faster.
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Porsche Boxster 986 (1st Gen)

Porsche Boxster (2003 – 2004)

The first generation Boxster got a facelift and refresh for the 2003 model year. The 2003 Boxster came on the market with new engines and new options. It also had a new face, but not that different than the first generation. The result was more horsepower, the 2.7 liter now good for 225 bhp @ 6300 rpm and 192 ft lbs @ 4750 rpm. Power was up by 8 horsepower over the prior year model, while torque was unchanged. From the outside, the 2002 Boxster featured an apron with two air-intakes on the sides.
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Sales Brochures

Porsche Boxster (MY1997 – 2004) – Sales Brochures

Porsche Boxster (MY1997 - 2004) – Sales Brochures
Porsche Boxster (First Generation) Sales Brochures We found only two Porsche sales brochures for the first generation Boxster, which is known as the Type 986. The Boxster was released ahead of the 996. The 986 Boxster had the same bonnet, front wings, headlights, interior and engine architecture as the 996....
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Porsche Boxster 986 (1st Gen)

Porsche Boxster S (2000 – 2002)

In 2000, Porsche gave us the Boxster S. With a 3.2 liter naturally aspirated Flat-6, it was good for 250 bhp and 225 ft lbs of torque, up by 25% on the base 2.7 liter Boxster. Hardward changes, a 6-speed gearbox and all this extra power and torque transformed the Boxster driving experience. From behind the wheel, the Boxster S rushes forward in a way that is missing from the base model, that torque increase really making itself known, especially in the midrange. 0 to 60 mph now takes 5.60 second (compared to 6.5 for the 2.7 L base model). Top speed is 161 mph and the quarter mile is 14.1 seconds.
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Porsche Boxster 986 (1st Gen)

Porsche Boxster (2000 – 2002)

While the original 986 Boxster was a sweet ride, its performance began to lag behind newer competitors like the Honda S2000. Powered by a 2.5-litre flat six-cylinder engine, the base model was upgraded to a 2.7-litre engine in the year 2000. The gearbox options in the Boxster 2.7 are the same as in 2.5, but they got new type designations due to improvements. Externally, the 986 Boxster 2.7 looks like Boxster 2.5. Inside the side airbags are standard and the plastic feeling has been reduced. The fuel tank is a larger 64-liter. Alcantara trim is available on the options list.
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Porsche Boxster 986 (1st Gen)

Porsche Boxster (1997 – 1999)

It was Porsche's first road vehicle to be originally designed as a roadster since the 914. The first-generation Boxster (the 986) was introduced in late 1996 as a 1997 model year car. The V-Series Boxster 2.5 rolled out in August 1996 from Porsche’s factory in Zuffenhausen, Germany. The design was heavily influenced by the 1993 Boxster Concept (which was a good thing). It was an instant success, becoming Porsche's biggest seller from its introduction in 1996 until the introduction of the Cayenne sport utility vehicle in 2003. 
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