2016 Porsche Boxster 981

This desirable example of the Boxster lineage is a 981 which ably represents the third generation of cars. In true Porsche style, none of the original concept’s has been fundamentally altered here, but rather systematically improved and refined. The 981 offered a 40% increase in rigidity over its predecessor as well as a reported 15% saving on fuel costs, for example.

This 981 offers a very solid and straightforward provenance, too. It was supplied new by the Porsche Retail Group in Reading at the end of January 2016. It seems likely, or possible at least, that the Porsche Retail Group retained the Boxster as a demonstrator within their dealer network as the second keeper happened along in August 2016.

Current owner, Stephen, then acquired the 981 in May 2020 to become just its third. At this stage the Boxster had covered around 27,500 miles. On the day of our shoot the Boxster was recording 39,161 suggesting regular but moderate use in current ownership. Backed by a diligent service regime, this lovely example is now ready for its next home.
 

For the 981, Porsche replicated the styling cues from the 911 of the time – the 991. In this guise the Boxster looks every inch the 911’s smaller sibling and could easily be mistaken for one by many. This example presents in gleaming Jet Black Metallic (C9X) livery and, despite the passing of a quarter century, the 981 still bears a striking resemblance to the original Larson sketch.

With the Boxster being the first Porsche designed specifically as a full roadster, it is unsurprising that the 981 looks most at home with its black fabric hood electrically retracted. When it is in place, however, the fabric of the hood looks pristine with no signs of significant imperfection of issue. The low, sleek form gains visual purpose over its predecessors, courtesy of a deep nose spoiler with horizontally orientated vent strakes and a prominent rear lid spoiler.

Perhaps the headline act, however, are the optional 20-inch, five spoke alloy wheels. These are finished in a combination of gloss black and diamond cut alloy and look stunning. These are of an open design allowing a great view of the vented, drilled discs and Porsche inscribed callipers. The wheels look very well presented and free from any scuffs or kerb rash.  A matching set of Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres are fitted, all date stamped from 2023.
 

The arrival of the 981 in 2012 ushered in a number of key cabin improvements, too. Again the 991 and the Panamera provided inspiration. This resulted in better quality materials being used, the driver interface being updated to Porsche Communication Management (PCM) version 3.1 and even the introduction of a 4.6 inch, multifunction, colour TFT screen to the instrument binnacle. With Bluetooth and USB connectivity now on tap and much improved satellite navigation and switchgear, the 981 offered a significantly more modern environment to spend time in.

This example features a sophisticated black on black cabin livery with the supportive tombstone seats being dressed in perforated black leather. The door cards match the seat treatment, and the dashboard top and bottom rolls are finished in a different black shade. The carpets present in a complimentary dark grey hue. Plenty of brushed alloy accents are present to provide just enough light relief. 

The big PCM central screen dominates proceedings and sits above a number of physical buttons for seat heating, climate control and the like. Despite significant modification the cowled instrument binnacle retains the signature Porsche look with the big tachometer taking centre stage. That new TFT “third instrument” is highly configurable displaying a range of useful metrics and even mirroring the satellite navigation screen. This example also features the uprated Bose sound system. 

The Boxster is deceptively practical with its luggage capacity split across two distinct areas. The so called “frunk” is situated in the nose of the Boxster and is surprisingly deep and nicely carpeted. It is noted that the cabin switch to open the frunk has “never worked” and still doesn’t. It can easily be opened, however, from the key fob. Being a car with a mid-ships mounted engine, there is also a useful luggage space in this car’s tail, too. Ironically, owner Stephen is selling up as he can’t fit his recently acquired golf clubs into the Boxster.
 

This Boxster features the 2.7-litre, water cooled flat six “boxer” MA1.22 engine. This features direct petrol injection with efficiency further enhanced by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and start/stop function. The engine originally produced 265bhp and is paired with the much desired six speed manual transmission in this example. This feeds power the rear wheels, originally delivering a 5.5 second 0-60mph time and a top speed in the region of 170mph.

Given that revealing the Boxster’s mid-mounted power unit takes quite a bit of work, a well practices technique and a degree of patience, there are unsurprisingly no images of it in the accompanying photographic package. This is Porsche emphatically send the message “leave the maintenance to us.” The underside is easier to inspect, of course, and looks clean, well-presented and leak and deformation free. 
 

There is plenty of instructive supporting paperwork included with the Boxster. The V5 Registration Document in the name of the current keeper is present. The current MoT is valid until the end of January 2026. Earlier MoT hard copies back to 2021 are also on hand.

The original and quite extensively stocked book pack and folder are present as are two original Porsche keys. The all important service booklet is amongst the former. This exhibits a number of stamps covering the pre-delivery inspection, four services, four brake fluid changes and two Long-Life guarantee checks. A number of long form invoices provide the detail behind the service stamps.
 

The Porsche Boxster quickly made a name for itself. In some ways it was the car the ill fated 914 should have, could have been. Introducing a more affordable, more traditional, more dynamic Porsche roadster was exactly the right strategy at the right time. Luckily, despite their troubles, Porsche still had a team who were able to execute the idea so expertly.

This Boxster is one of those examples where the challenge becomes finding anything of note to alert you of. There is really very little not to like about this Boxster. It comes with a very succinct provenance and boasts some very desirable options – namely the 20-inch diamond cut wheels and the Bose audio system. The cabin environment of the 981 and associated equipment is also noteworthy. In essence there are no excuses to be found here not to put this lovely Boxster on your driveway at the auction’s conclusion.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £25,000 - £30,000.

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’.