The PORSCHE MYSTIQUE

A Public Service Announcement (long)
Posted By: RTRORKT Monday, 3 August 1998, at 3:04 p.m.

I came late to the discussion about whether one should wait for a Boxster or buy a Z or Kompressor. Let me add me my $0.02.

When the show car was published in the automotive press in 1994, I was stunned by the designer's ability to evoke the history of Porsche in one car. The sense of connection to the great cars, like the 550, the Speedster, and other early racers was so strongly illustrated, that it was impossible not to want the Boxster.

So my deposit went down and I waited for information, for several years. When the time came, I was one of those most frustrated. I was asked to order a car on faith that I had not seen or driven, that differed in some significant ways from the show car (notibly the dash, engine intakes and front facia) and for which I could not order any of the X or Y options, you know those nice to haves. I had a perfectly good 944 Turbo that was a kick in the pants to drive. It was the right decision. Sometimes faith and intent are good enough reasons.

Based on my 16 months and 12,000 miles with the Boxster, there is no other car for me. I have not, nor will I ever, test the limits of this car. It surprises and entertains me each time I drive it.I have tracked it twice to find it handles like no other car I have driven, stops like it has an anchor and has the sweetest exhaust note. And best yet, I can run down those high horsepower machines through the twisties.

Have I had some problems with it? Yes. Anything out of the ordinary? No. Porsche has stepped up at each moment and done the right thing. The dealer, Heishman's in Arlington, VA, has been right on top of things and the overall experience is extremenely positive.

So that is the long version of, if you don't understand or want to understand the history of this great company, have no interest in the racing heritage or the reason for the design, don't wait for the car. Buy the transportation you want. If driving is a chore or a requirement, don't buy the car. You can of course enjoy the car for what it is without the background or because you are moved by the design.

The Z and SLK are fine automobiles, however, they are not new thought, merely recycled existing designs albeit with some style. Remember the 356 started the 911 heritage that begat the final twin turbo 993. Expect the Boxster to last as long as the 911 and take as many turns. I do not think the SLK or the Z will have the staying power.

IMHO.

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