2008 Porsche Cayman S Manual

Highlights

• Sought after 3.4-litre S model
• 6-speed manual transmission
• Excellent service record
• Just 61,669 miles, verified
• Lovely Arctic Silver/ Cocoa specification

Overview

It’s acknowledged by all those in the know that there’s little that comes close to a 911 as an all-round, complete sports car. However, there is a challenger for the crown of “most complete sports car”, and, rather awkwardly, it comes from Porsche: the Cayman S.

Of course, the 911 does have back seats that will accommodate two small children or a couple of adult torsos. But other than that, there’s little to choose between them in terms of practicality. And when it comes to the driving experience? Well, whisper this, but there are plenty of enthusiasts and collectors who will tell you that the Cayman is the better car to drive. That mid-engined layout results in a car that’s taut and sharp, yet still eminently comfortable. It’s quite a different experience to the 911 – and if anyone tells you otherwise ignore them, we’ll guarantee they’ve not driven them back-to-back.

Developed to offer a razor-sharp sports coupe that would sit between the Boxster and 911, the Cayman offers all the usual Porsche refinements and abilities, but wrapped in a slightly smaller and more driver-focussed package.

This is the desirable ‘S’ model of the 987 generation too, also known as “the one you want”. Why do we say that? Well, we’re not sure we’ve driven a car with a powertrain that more perfectly suited it. That 3.4-litre, naturally-aspirated flat-six is charismatic in the extreme, issuing a delicious burble at low revs and a wailing racecar howl as you approach the limiter. It’s immensely strong too, offering fabulous reliability and delivering a punchy 291bhp to the rear wheels.

While a smidge under 300bhp may not sound like a vast amount these days, the lightness of the car, delicacy and accuracy of the handling and the joyous ways it progresses down a road make it a sublime experience. It’ll turn any B-road you point it at into a near transcendent experience.

Add to this the car’s increasing rarity, low mileage, comprehensive maintenance record and that immensely lovable Cocoa interior, and we think you have something really rather special.

History and documentation

• First registered 1 May 2008
• Current owner since 2 February 2023, 8 former owners
• Current MOT expires 14 February 2026
• 61,669 miles on the clock, verified by the service and MOT records
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Apr 2010 @ 9,638 miles; Apr 2012 @ 15,568 miles; Apr 2014 @ 21,476 miles; Apr 2016 @ 29,182 miles; Apr 2018 @ 35,152 miles; May 2020 @ 41,564 miles; Jan 2021 @ 42,967 miles; Dec 2022 @ 60,013 miles; Jun 2024 @ 61,232 miles; Sep 2025 @ 61,661 miles
• Full document pack, along with some servicing and maintenance invoices
• Branded Porsche car cover
• Two keys
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• The cherished registration will be removed for sale and the car will revert to an age-appropriate plate
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Cocoa Brown leather upholstery, presented in good condition, with minimal evidence of wear and no damage we could identify
• Cocoa Brown carpet and Porsche branded over-mats, which all look to be in fine fettle, with no threading or staining apparent
• Black headlining appears to be taut and in good order with no notable damage
• Both of the seats look to be in good order, with no significant wear or sagging, and only a small amount of gentle creasing to the bolsters
• Electrically adjustable seat backs
• Electrically operated side windows and door mirrors
• The media system has been updated with a modern Pioneer double-din unit, offering full phone connectivity
• All of the switchgear, cabin trim and controls look to be in nice condition, with some minor blemishes and scuffs, but no more than is commensurate with the car’s age and mileage
• The ‘frunk’ is neatly trimmed with black carpet and also contains a warning triangle, inflation kit and tool kit
• The boot is commodious for a mid-engined coupe, offering a couple of storage bins as well as a fixed cargo net – it’s also well trimmed in the same Cocoa Brown carpet as the rest of the cabin
• The vendor reports no issues or faults with any of the cabin’s features and functions

Exterior

• Arctic Silver Metallic paintwork shows very well, looking clean and even with no major marks or blemishes other than a scuff on the near-side A-pillar
• All of the bodywork shows well, with no significant corrosion or damage in evidence and even, consistent panel gaps across the car
• We noted a couple of small spots of surface corrosion in both front wheel-arches, but these appear to be quite minor
• All of the external trim and badging is present and correct, and looks to be in good condition, with just a little wear showing on the rear ‘Cayman S’ badge
• The glass all shows very well, with no cracking or chipping we could discern
• Similarly, all of the light clusters appear to be in very good order, being clean and clear, free from major cracks, chips or misting
• Automatic electrically-operated rear wing
• Underneath everything appears to be very clean and tidy, with straight, undamaged sills, floor pans and under-trays
• 19-inch 5-spoke Porsche alloy wheels in very good condition, with no signs of lacquer peel or kerb damage that we observed
• The tyres all look to be in good health too, with good tread levels and undamaged sidewalls – the front axle wears a pair of Maxxis Victra Sport 5 (235/35) and the rear axle has a brace of Falkens (265/35)

Mechanical

• 3,386cc naturally-aspirated flat-six, mid-mounted
• 6-speed manual transmission
• Factory performance figures: 291bhp, 251lb-ft, 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds, 171mph top speed
• Porsche Stability Management
• Power-assisted steering
• Anti-lock braking system
• Low mileage example with solid service record and long MOT
• We’re assured by the vendor that the car drives beautifully, with no known issues or mechanical faults

Summary

The 987 Cayman S is, in all honesty, a stone cold classic. One of the most satisfying and enjoyable sports cars you’ll ever drive, and one you can genuinely drive all year round.

We think this represents superb value for money. Not only are the ‘S’ models the most desirable for enthusiasts and collectors, but this example benefits from that wonderful specification of Arctic Silver over Coca Brown. In our eyes, it looks superb.

What else is there to say? It’s one of the best driver’s cars ever made, from probably the world’s best sports car brand, presented in great condition and in a top-notch spec. It’s kind of a no-brainer…

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 inShoeburyness, Essex.