For Sale at Auction: 1999 Porsche Boxster in Costa Mesa, California

Chassis No. WP0CA2983XU622755

The first-generation Boxster is the epitome of Porsche's commitment to lightweight, uncluttered design. Inspired by the Porsche racing Spyders and Speedsters of the 1950s, the Boxster, a portmanteau of the words "Boxer" and "Speedster," was created as a throwback antidote to the ever-increasing weight and complexity of foreign sports cars coming to market in the late 1980s and 1990s. Nailing the nostalgic zeitgeist like no Porsche before it, the early 2.5-liter six-cylinder Boxsters were a smashing success for Porsche. Along with a revived 993-generation 911, the Boxster put Porsche back on the path to success.

Built in the first wave of early "Pre-S" Boxster models, this first-generation Type 986 features the classic Boxster build specification of Arctic Silver Metallic over an optional full Graphite Grey leather interior with heated seats. According to its specifications sticker under the hood, this particular Boxster left the Porsche plant selected with six "X-Code" options that included central-exit Boxster Exhaust tip (XLA), Arctic Silver Painted Roll Bar (XMY), Stainless Steel Doors Sills (X70), Aluminum Look Instrument Dials (X71), Gear Lever Knob in Aluminum/Leather (X97), and Handbrake in Aluminum/Leather (X98). Additionally, it was equipped from the factory with numerous catalog options that include 17-inch wheels, automatic limited-slip differential, traction control system, and a trunk-mounted CD changer among others.

Its stamped service book reveals it was sold through Plaza Porsche on 9 November 1998. The clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report records that its original owner kept the car until 2014 using it sparingly with only 14,896 miles added in 16 years of ownership that included time in Missouri and Arizona. Its second owner kept the car in Arizona before being acquired by a short series of California-based owners beginning in 2017 and eventually landing with the consignor's impressive Porsche collection the following year with just over 40,000 miles. In their time with the car, it has seen regular servicing at Hoehn Porsche (now Porsche Carlsbad).

Now an official member of the Porsche Classic family, many early Boxsters have led mixed lives over the past 25-plus years. Not so for this 2.5-liter example! Most recently, in early 2023, this Boxster visited Porsche Carlsbad with just under 53,000 miles for its 120,000 mi scheduled Major Maintenance that included fresh fluids (coolant, engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid), updated ignition coils, new spark plugs, filters (air, pollen, oil, fuel), front brake discs and pads, and a new battery. In addition, it is noted that the infamous IMS bearing has been replaced at Rusnak/Pasadena Porsche. A full accounting of the two services totaling $7,747 are on file and available for review.

An original 2.5-liter Boxster remains a joy to behold, and this example, showing just 53,225 miles at the time of consignment, clearly illustrates why. Ordered with a thoughtful selection of factory options and benefitting from Porsche dealer servicing, it is offered with its books, toolkit, and a clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report, representing one of the most engaging and analog sports cars available from any manufacturer at the turn of the millennium.