2001 Porsche Boxster S – 6-Speed Manual

words by ShiftGate

Mechanical Marvel

Today’s lovely Lapis Blue 2001 Porsche Boxster S is a car praised universally for its nimble handling and glorious 3.2L flat-six soundtrack, one that Car and Driver described as “God’s own pipe organ.” For those who have not had the pleasure of experiencing this mechanical marvel, here is your opportunity!

History

Arriving to much fanfare in 1996, the mid-engine Porsche Boxster was the modern incarnation of the legendary 550 Spyder. That it saved the automaker from an uncertain fate is also noteworthy, but as the first new Porsche roadster since the 914, enthusiasts were far more excited to get behind the wheel and DRIVE.

Earning a whopping twenty-one 10 Best titles from Car and Driver, the new Boxster was a smash hit. When the S model arrived in 2000, with more power and a firmer suspension, the crowd went wild. Today’s example is of this variety and sports the desirable 6-speed manual. The blue-on-beige color scheme only enhances the Want Factor.

Lapis Blue Lovely

A nice change up from the more common silver and black is the Lapis Blue Metallic (L3A8) finish on today’s 2001 Boxster S. It pairs with a Metropol Blue power-operated soft top that appears to be tightly fitted and features a plastic rear window. All of this is set off nicely by the Savanna Beige cabin.

Noted finish flaws include assorted chips and scuffs on the front bumper and hood, as well as flaking around the driver-side door lock. Paint meter readings are documented from around the body, which otherwise looks to be in good shape, especially around the back. There is no rust present, per the owner.

Visual differences for the S model include a large air intake in the front spoiler and the dual center exhaust outlets. The car also features blue side intakes, rear fender gravel guards, and a speed-activated rear spoiler.

Lighting lenses are free of cracks all around, with the headlights showing some hazing. Out back, the Boxster S badging shows leftover adhesive after being removed. The condition underneath is well documented and looks to be very good.

The original staggered-width 17” twist-spoke alloys are retained. They look to be in generally good condition aside from chips in the finish on the front driver-side and a missing crest from the center cap on the rear driver-side.

The four-piston red-finished calipers on these S models came from the period 911 Carrera and clamp cross-drilled rotors all around. Pirelli Cinturato rubber measures 205/50 up front with 2021 date codes and 245/40 out back with 2017 codes.

Droptop Driving

Inside, Savanna Beige leather covers the seats with the color extending to the dashboard, door panels, carpets, and floor mats. It is accented by black door pulls and aluminum trim.

The driver’s seat shows creasing along the bolsters and a pair of small tears on the bottom cushion. Wear on the passenger side appears to be lighter and consistent with the mileage.

Wrapped in black leather, the three-spoke steering wheel features a colored Porsche crest and frames white-faced analog instrumentation highlighted by a central 8,000-rpm tachometer with an inset digital odometer reading of 177,999 km (110,603 mi).

Additional gauges include the 300 km/h speedometer with an inset digital readout and a combination dial for coolant temperature and fuel level with an inset digital clock.

Dashboard condition appears very good, with no tears evident. Both door panels, which feature airbags and leather inserts, are also in good condition aside from fading on the armrest and a missing light lens on the driver’s side.

Other cabin cosmetic flaws include scuffing on the center console, chips in the shift knob finish, and staining on the floor mats.

Features include power accessories, cruise control, automatic climate control, and Boxster S sill covers. A Kenwood head unit has been fitted, and the factory wind deflector sits between roll hoops with a body-color finish on the back.

Both the front and rear trunk areas are carpeted in black and look to be in good condition. A covered spare is included in the front compartment.

God’s Own Pipe Organ

Mounted behind the driver is the original DOHC 3.2L M96 flat-six based on the period 911 motor. Like the 911, this setup marked the first use of water cooling by Porsche. The engine features aluminum construction and variable valve timing.

Producing 250 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque when new, the motor pairs with a 6-speed manual to power the rear wheels. This flat-six can scream to a 7,200-rpm redline and was clocked at 5.2 seconds to 60 mph in period testing.

Extensive service records will accompany the sale, with the most recent maintenance consisting of fresh fluids in May of this year.

Enthusiast Machine

Located in Montreal, Quebec, this 2001 Porsche Boxster S has been under current ownership for the past three years. In that time, 10,000 of the original 177,999 km (110,603 mi) have been added.

Decoding the factory option code sticker reveals the following:

424 – CD compartment
446 – Wheel caps with colored Porsche crest
454 – Automatic speed control
498 – Without model designation on rear end
502 – Produced at Valmet plant in Uusikaupunki, Finland
551 – Wind deflector
584 – Storage box on engine cover
696 – CD-radio Becker Porsche CDR-220

This largely original Boxster S trades on a deep connection between car and driver with the ideal combination of rear-wheel-drive, mid-engine placement, and a manual transmission. All of which have been honed to perfection at the hands of Porsche. It is truly an enthusiast machine.

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