Cheap Carrera GT
Why the Porsche Boxster (986) is a bottom budget Carrera GT
$1.5 million dollars, $1.5 MILLION DOLLARS. That’s the going price for a clean CGT in today’s market. It’s probably worth it, but let’s be honest…we can’t afford it. Fear not, for I have found a way for all of us to get a taste of the CGT nector (for 1% of the cost).
Introducing, “CGT lite” aka “the first-gen Porsche Boxster” aka “the 986”.
To most, this is one of Porsche’s greatest failures. But where people see failure, I see opportunity. Here’s why a $15k Porsche Boxster = entry-level CGT:
It resembles the CGT’s grandfather, the Porsche GT1. The same front end, but in a more compact and tossable package. I like to think that the CGT drew inspiration from its ancestors, even if from that weird little uncle. Let’s not talk about how the front looks like the back - all mid-engine cars kind of do.
The engine howls. If you’re looking for that classic modern GT Porsche howl, the 986 has it. Porsche’s have always had a unique sound, and the Boxster continues the tradition. It’s not a 10 cylinder F1-derived race howl, but more like a pug puppy imitating its best wolf impression. Still cute / still howly.
The interior is the same. Speedo and tach gauges? Check. Steering wheel? Check. Porsche leather seats? Check. I’m serious here, the 986 gives you 95% of the CGT interior. 99% if you replace the shift knob with a custom CGT balsa wood replica from my boy Manny on rennlist.
It was born in a time when sports cars were just sports cars. Pure, unadulterated, slow, and smooth. Substitute “slow” with “fast” and you have just described the CGT. In similar fashion, the 986 is pure driving bliss. Extremely refreshing as every car today is either a political statement, an iPhone on wheels (rollin on 20s), or electric (no soul).
It is the Jesus Christ of the Porsche religion. It’s no secret that the 986 single-handedly saved the struggling German beetle manufacture in the 90s to bring it greatness today. One might argue that the 986 has done more for the brand in 8 years of production than the entirety of their 50+ year racing heritage. I’m not saying that, but one might.
It is reliable…but even if it isn’t, it’s disposable. Okay, so the Boxster is not a Honda, but it does well enough. Plenty of 986s pushing 200k miles on the original block with regular “preventative maintenance”. IMS, IBS, ADHD issues? Who cares. Buy with confidence, regular synthetic oil changes, and run it hard.
I have a 2000 S and it is a ton of fun, best bang for your buck!