1997 Porsche Boxster 5-Speed

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Inspired by the 1993 Boxster Concept—whose mid‑engine layout and classic Porsche styling cues drew heavily from the 550 Spyder and 718 RSK—the production Boxster carried its retro‑modern design into showrooms with remarkably few changes. Developed alongside the 996‑generation 911 to reduce costs, it shared major components including its front structure, suspension elements, and interior architecture. However, the 986-generation Boxster's mid-engine design gave it a remarkably different personality.

At its launch for the 1997 model year in North America, the Boxster featured a 2.5‑liter water‑cooled flat‑six producing 201 horsepower, paired with either a five‑speed manual or a five‑speed Tiptronic automatic. The power‑operated soft top, practical cabin, and comparatively accessible price broadened Porsche’s appeal to a new audience. Its balanced mid‑engine layout delivered exceptional handling, earning widespread praise, including from Road & Track, who exclaimed, “Tantalizing... Tempting... Terrific! A car that makes you want to hit the road and keep on going.”

Painted in classic Guards Red over a Black partial leather interior this first-year Boxster was equipped from the factory with a number of options including cruise control, the Hi-Fi sound system with a CD player, and 17" alloy wheels, and it comes with a color-matched hardtop. A service in late 2025 included fluid changes as well as the replacement of a window regulator and the mass airflow sensor. The car has covered fewer than 58,000 miles.

This 1997 Porsche Boxster 5-speed is now offered at no reserve by the selling dealer with a color-matched hardtop, owner’s manuals, a clean CARFAX vehicle history report, and a clean Pennsylvania title.

Highlights

• Offered from Collectible Classics

• Under 58,000 miles shown

• Water‑cooled 2.5L DOHC flat‑six rated at 201 hp

• Five speed manual transaxle

• Finished in Guards Red over Black partial leather interior

• Color-matched hardtop

• Black power convertible top

Factory Equipment

• Factory features and options include:

  • L84A – Guards Red paint

  • AS – Black partial leather upholstery

  • 273 – Door mirrors electrically adjustable and heated

  • 396 – 17″ 996 Carrera-look twist-spoke wheels

  • 454 – Cruise control

  • 490 – Hi-Fi sound system

  • 535 – Alarm 315 MHz

  • 550 – Hardtop

  • 551 – Wind deflector

  • 582 – Storage pocket on engine cover

  • 688 – CD-radio Becker Porsche CDR-210

Modifications

• Wood dashboard trim and gear knob

• Aftermarket exhaust system

• Wheels have been chromed

Servicing & Documentation

The included CARFAX vehicle history report notes that the following service was performed:

• November 2025:

  • Maintenance inspection completed

  • Doors checked

  • Door latch repaired/replaced

  • Drivability/performance checked

  • Fluids checked

  • Mass air flow sensor replaced

  • Oil and filter changed

  • Sway bar link(s) replaced

  • Tire condition and pressure checked

  • Transmission checked

  • Window regulator(s) replaced

• Clean CARFAX vehicle history report

Known Imperfections

• Blemishes on rear bumperettes

• Passenger-side soft top window trim is misaligned

• Wear on leather upholstery and shift boot

• Staining on front trunk carpeting

• Tires show 2005 date codes

Ownership History

• The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this two owner 1997 Porsche Boxster in Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.

Included Items

• Owner’s manuals

• Color-matched hardtop