Porsche Boxster 25 Years Review

What is it?

Here’s a fun fact: the Boxster has been available for about as long as TG.com’s youngest member of staff has been alive. During those 25 years, Porsche has shifted more than 43,000 examples in the UK alone. Little wonder, then, that the classifieds are full of attractively priced cars.

We doubt this 982-generation Boxster variant will ever become particularly cheap, however. Named the 25 Years, it is a limited-run special edition created to mark 25 years of Porsche’s generally excellent entry-level roadster.

How many will Porsche build?

Just 1,250 cars will be produced worldwide, and our test vehicle is number 50. UK prices start at a substantial £73,820, which puts the more track-focused Boxster Spyder only £1,020 higher.

It starts life as a Boxster GTS 4.0 – the Boxster for everyday use. Buyers can choose either a six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK transmission, along with black, white or silver paint. A red or black fabric roof is available, as is red or black leather upholstery.

What does your money buy?

At £6,570 above the standard Boxster GTS 4.0, Porsche claims the 25 Years includes approximately £10,000 of extra equipment. This covers smart ‘PDLS Plus’ LED headlamps, 14-way electrically adjustable sports seats, a heated steering wheel and a smooth-finish leather interior.

There are also the exclusive touches unavailable on the regular Boxster, most notably the handsome gold-painted wheels and plentiful ‘Boxster 25’ emblems. You will not find a single ‘718’ badge anywhere on the car. It is a shame that items which should arguably be included on a £70k car remain optional, though: cruise control costs £228, for instance, while electrically folding door mirrors are £210. That is simply the Porsche approach.

Are there any mechanical alterations?

No. The engine, gearbox, chassis and suspension are identical to those in a standard Boxster GTS 4.0. That means the 25 Years is utterly sublime in nearly every respect, with one slightly frustrating exception: its gearing.

The six-speed manual gearbox is excellent, as is the naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine that we missed so much when the Boxster briefly became four-cylinder only. Taking it to nearly 8,000rpm, selecting another gear and repeating the process is enormously thrilling – and it sounds magnificent – yet the long ratios mean you rarely have the chance. Unless, that is, you live in Germany.

Second gear extends all the way to 85mph, which is frankly absurd. Porsche calls it the ‘overtaking’ gear, but emissions concerns and a desire to ensure the Boxster does not outpace a 911 must surely be factors as well. Shorter ratios would completely change this car.

Does the gearbox spoil the experience?

No, naturally not. Being able to reach the rev limiter legally only in first gear is frustrating, but the Boxster is far from alone in suffering that issue. It remains such a beautifully engineered, high-quality machine, with a terrific engine, transmission and chassis. There is very little to criticise in how it turns, brakes, grips or accelerates. Every control is perfectly weighted, with a smooth and costly-feeling precision. It is comfortable too, and roof-down buffeting is well controlled. The cabin feels a generation old, but remains robust and well made, while few roadsters are more practical. It has two boots, after all.

Would you buy a Boxster 25 Years?

I cannot, because every one has already been sold. Yet if I were shopping for one and had the opportunity, I would have bought it. It costs only a little more than a standard Boxster GTS, the difference would probably disappear in options anyway, and it is likely to retain more value when it is time to sell. I also think it looks fantastic, which helps.

For a weekend Boxster, I would be tempted by the Spyder, but the GTS is the one to choose for daily use.

Follow these blue words to read our complete review of the Porsche 718 Boxster.