2007 Porsche Boxster S

Finished in the fetching colour combination of Atlas Grey Metallic coachwork with a Sand Beige leather interior, ‘OUI 5774’ is a 2007 Porsche Boxster S that with just one former keeper, has been in our seller’s care since 2011.

The Boxster belonged to her late husband and while she says he enjoyed every one of the few miles he racked up over the years, she also confided that she thinks he enjoyed washing and polishing it as much as he did driving it.

A genuine 170mph sportscar that will also return 30mpg and rock-solid reliability, few sportscars are as versatile, practical and, yes, thrilling, as the 987 version of the familiar Porsche Boxster S.

There’s not much we can say about the Atlas Grey Metallic coachwork other than to tell you that it looks exactly how you’d expect a two-owner-from-new car that’s only covered a thousand miles a year to date.

That means shutlines that could have been drawn on with a Sharpie, and there are no dents, dinks, or other damage.

It also sports the sort of shine that means you could take it anywhere and draw nothing but appreciative glances: Porsche’s reputation for design integrity and quality control is on full display here, as is the conscientiousness with which it was curated: “He wouldn’t take it out in the rain because he hated having to leather it off afterwards!”

The good news continues because the 18-inch alloy wheels are in great shape with no scuffs, scrapes, or other kerbing damage. Their open five-spoke design also allows you to appreciate the vented brake discs and red calipers that lie behind – and while you’re casting your eyes over them please note the very good centre caps that are yet more evidence of the care with which it has been looked after.

They’re also fitted with a matching set of Continental ContiSportContact 3 tyres, with 265/40ZR18 on the rear axle and 235/40ZR18 on the front. They are date-stamped between 2011 and 2013 though, so while they have good tread and don’t show any signs of perishing, you might like to keep them on your radar.

But we will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly.

The hood rises and falls as it should, sealing tightly when it is up and tucking neatly away when it’s down. It’s a very clever design that gives the weatherproofing of a coupé with a full-on convertible experience at the press of a button.

There are a few minor marks to the black fabric of the hood but no holes, loose stitching, or other issues. There’s a heated glass rear screen too, for true all-weather performance.

As for the rest, the rear spoiler pops up and down, the badges gleam, the lamp lenses are bright and free of damage.

The name, ‘Sand Beige’, really doesn’t do the interior justice because it’s actually a rich tan; if wealth was a colour, this would be it.

And there’s a lot of it, the colour being used for all the leather – and there is a LOT of leather – plus most of the plastic trim.

It sounds overwhelming but it works well given how airy the car is when the roof is lowered – and that same hue also prevents it feeling like being in a coal mine when the roof is up.

Nor is it just about the palette because the condition is superb. The high-backed, figure-hugging seats are still firm and seemingly untroubled by the passage of almost two decades. Mind you, those eighteen years have only seen an average of a thousand miles every twelve months, so it hasn’t had a hard life and shows only a few minor marks as a result.

They’re heated too, and there’s a clear wind deflector for ruffle-free motoring at motorway speeds, even when it’s cold; few automotive experiences can rival driving a convertible with the roof down and the seats and heater on full blast as the snow falls around you.

It’s also got good carpets, excellent door cards, and an unmarked headlining. Heck, the sill protectors have even still got the clear plastic film on them.

The white-faced instruments, which put the rev counter front and centre, are in great shape too and do their thing in the clearest and most stylish way possible.

It’s also got a pair of the (now obligatory) cupholders, plus a comprehensive infotainment system that includes (the also now obligatory) Bluetooth and sat-nav. Classic sportscars have never been more comfortable.

The frunk is both clean and neatly organised and plays host to the sat-nav’s DVD player, warning triangle, battery, and some of the fluid top-up points.

The rear boot is a good size too, and it is just as clean as the one at the other end.

That said, the cabin did smell a bit musty on arrival, but we think that it probably just needs a good airing as the air-conditioning blows nice and cold, everything we tested works as it should, and we can’t see any evidence of leaks.

The Boxster’s service history booklet contains the following stamps:

• 18.06.2007 and 10 miles – supplied by Porsche Centre Kendal
• 08.06.2009 and 6,686 miles – service and fresh brake fluid by Porsche Centre Kendal
• 15.06.2011 and 10,886 miles – service and fresh brake fluid by Porsche Centre Cardiff
• 14.07.2015 and 15,271 miles – service and fresh brake fluid by Porsche Centre Bournemouth

Invoices on file also record that it had a new battery on the 13th of March 2017 at 16,339 miles.

As you can see, it is overdue a service – the service light is on – but it has only covered 3,000 miles since its last service.

Not that it seems to have suffered because the video shows it starting and idling well. It also revs nicely, and our assessor says it “drives well”.

As for the underside, it looks respectably clean and there’s nothing there that raises any red flags, something the online MoT history confirms.

Speaking of which, the Boxster’s MoT certificate, which is valid until December 2025, was issued with no advisory points just like the previous ten. That’s not a bad record, is it?

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the Boxster comes with two keys, the Porsche book pack, the stamped service history booklet, and some old invoices and MoT certificates.

The Boxster was, along with the Mazda MX-5, long derided as not being a ‘proper’ sportscars.

Thankfully, those days are long gone as enthusiasts are starting to appreciate that few sportscars are more rewarding or usable than a well-preserved 306bhp Porsche Boxster S.

And not many that are more affordable than a well-preserved, Porsche Boxster S, either.

Take this beauty, for example: With a colour scheme that’s more upmarket than most and a paltry mileage on the odometer, our estimate is between £14,000 and £18,000 – but as it is being offered with no reserve, it’s going to sell from the very first bid.

Oh, and the numberplate will stay with the car, which is yet another reason to say ‘oui’. (#sorrynotsorry)

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.