2004 Porsche Boxster 550S Manual

Highlights

• Genuine 550S special edition
• Only 25k miles from new
• Comprehensive history file
• Impeccably maintained and serviced
• Recent £800 ceramic detail

Overview

The original Porsche 550 Spyder is spoken of in hushed tones by the brand’s aficionados – immortalised by James Dean, the legendary roadster commands seven-figure sums when it comes up for sale.

But there’s a cheaper way of paying homage to it, and it comes in the form of the Porsche Boxster 550S. introduced in 2003 to mark the original’s 50thbirthday. It has become one of the most collectable variants of the 986 Boxster, and rightly so as it’s quite a special thing.

Limited to 1953 cars worldwide, a number chosen as it marked the year that the original 550 Spyder was launched, just 200 were sold in the UK. It was based on the Boxster S, painted in GT Silver, a colour otherwise reserved for the Carrera GT, with a choice of a unique-to-the-model Cocoa Brown hood, with a matching brown interior, or a more mainstream black and grey colour combination, which is what we have here.

Other special features were Seal Grey 18-inch alloys and silver-painted grilles in the rear quarter, to echo the colour of the original 550.

This one is quite a special car, with a genuine low mileage of just 25,000 from new. The current owner bought the car in 2016 and has maintained it impeccably, changing the gearbox oil every 7,000 miles. They have also kept all the old oil filters, to show there is no swarf or metallic particles that would point to IMS bearing failure.

The car is presented in fabulous condition throughout, having just had an £800 ceramic detail, and is a sure-fire future collector’s item, as well as a brilliant choice of everyday sports car.

History and documentation

• First registered on 1 April 2004 and supplied new by Porsche Centre Wilmslow
• UK V5C in the current owner’s name
• MOT valid to 10 April, 2026 – passed with no advisory notices
• Four UK owners
• Porsche book pack and manuals
• Two sets of keys, plus master key
• Original radio included
• Service book stamped as follows: 5,780 miles (2006, main dealer); 7,751 miles (2008, main dealer); 8,925 miles (2010, specialist); 9,298 miles (2013, main dealer); 13,534 miles (2016, independent); 18,901 miles (2017, independent); 20,905 miles (2019, independent); 23,421 miles (2020, independent); 24,973 miles (2022, independent); 25,222 miles (2024, independent)
• Cherished numberplate included in sale
• No 652 of 1953 made
• Has always been kept in a dry, heated garage during current ownership, under a genuine Porsche cover and with silica gel in the cabin to remove moisture

Interior

• Dark grey leather sports seats in exceptional order with no bolster wear
• All upholstery in very good condition, as are the carpets and door cards
• Original unused spacesaver spare wheel and complete tool kit
• Porsche breakdown warning triangle
• Electric windows
• Air conditioning – regassed last year
• Nokia hands-free kit
• Aftermarket Alpine media centre with CD, DVD player, sat nav and remote control (fitted at a cost of £4,400 by previous owner)
• Integrated MP3 lead in glovebox
• Electrically adjustable heated seats
• Glass rear window
• Genuine Porsche mats
• Heated mirrors
• Cruise control

Exterior

• Original GT Silver paintwork in fantastic condition – the vendor reports three small stone chips on the bonnet but says the car is otherwise immaculate
• The vendor also reports that the underside of the car is in excellent condition
• Original black hood
• Xenon headlights and headlamp washers
• 18-inch Seal Grey Carrera alloy wheels with good Michelin Pilot Sport N3 tyres all-round (fronts dated 2016, rears 2018), nearside front wheel has very slight kerb rash
• Colour-coded wheel bolts
• Recently treated to an £800 ceramic detail and ‘VRoof’ roof protectant, presented in beautiful condition
• Genuine Porsche Boxster cover and carry case

Mechanical

• 3.2-litre flat-six
• Six-speed short-shift manual transmission
• Suspension lowered by 10mm and track widened from factory
• Carrera four-piston alloy brake callipers
• 266bhp
• 0-60mph in 5.3 secs
• Tuned exhaust manifold
• Mahle oil filter and K&N air filter
• Diagnostic report shows zero over-rev events
• Oil changed every 2,500 miles by vendor
• NGK Iridium spark plugs

Summary

The Porsche 986 Boxster is an up and coming modern classic even in its most ordinary form, so this impeccable example of arguably the most desirable special edition is definitely one to watch.

It’s a great weekend sports car, while at the same time looking like a sensible future investment – and it’s in truly lovely condition. A rare and desirable find.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Fleetwood, Lancs.