A few years ago, my wife worked at a small company in southern Connecticut. Her boss commuted in from New York City by train, but at his office he kept a triple black 1998 Porsche Boxster. No cover on it, it just sat, day after day in an open garage. As a car guy, and Porsche enthusiast, it broke my heart.
He knew I was a car guy from the few times we’d met. Before leaving on vacation with his girlfriend, he asked my wife if I would mind taking care of his Boxster while he was away. When my wife called me with the news, I could hardly believe it. This guy who barely knew me was just going to let me use his Boxster? Yes! Of course I said yes.
I hopped the Metro North train to my wife’s office at the end of my work day. I walked up the flight of stairs to her office, where the keys awaited me. I was jittery-I hadn’t driven a Boxster for a few years. It was dark. It was rush hour on I-95. But I had to drive this car.
I unlocked the door and settled into the low, supportive leather bucket seat. I noticed the wood accents on the steering wheel and emergency brake warmed up the stark black interior. Some people say there’s no reason for wood in a Porsche, but it looked great here. I was hoping for some music for the commute home. Checking the CD’s, I settled on “The Pretenders”. I turn on the car-she fires right up, and settled into a near silent idle. I load the CD, cue up “Middle of the Road”, blip the throttle, click into reverse and I’m off.
Nervous that this is a used car, and one that is not used often, I’m suspicious of everything-the steering seems nervous, or am I not used to the car? I get the car home, and I’m relieved. No problems.
The next day, I get the car cleaned. I feel better looking at it, getting to know her in the daylight. She is a joy, and is everything wonderful I recalled from my last drive of a Boxster. Tight. Focused. Lively when you want her to be. Just a real, docile, friendly sports car that isn’t scary, but oh, the sound she makes when the tach sweeps up!
Falling in Love with a Porsche Boxster
I visited all my favorite local driving roads with my wife in the week we had the car to ourselves. Any excuse to get out and drive was good enough for me. I had gotten used to the car as the week wore on, and yes, I was falling in love with it. It was with a heavy heart when the time came to put the Porsche back into its lonely parking spot back at the office building, where I knew it would just sit and collect dust.
Yes, the owner maintained the car, but my wife informed me his mechanics always complained he just had to drive the car more. I was asked to look after his Boxster each time he went on vacation-it was the only time the car got any real use. He knew I’d have the car cleaned and returned with a full tank of premium, and that I didn’t abuse her. I felt like I had assumed the role of caretaker, but only temporarily. I actually felt bad for the car. I enjoyed the Boxster immensely when I had it, but when the time was up, I knew she was relegated to the role of a dust magnet.
Eventually, I bought my own 911. I continued to get offers to look after the Boxster, but my wife finally told her boss that when I had the time I preferred to drive my own Porsche, which was true. Any Porsche is a pleasure to drive, but you cannot deny the connection between you and YOUR own Porsche.
With a weakening business, my wife’s boss decided to close his office about three and a half years ago. I’m guessing he sold that Boxster, and I hope that car is enjoyed on a far more regular basis than before.
As for me, I’m still happy with my ’76 911S Targa. But I will always have a soft spot for the Boxster. Should I ever buy one, you better believe the first song I’ll listen to is The Pretenders “Middle of the Road”.
Today’s post come courtesy of Tom Williams from Milford, CT. Tom, a member of the International Motoring Press Association, provides automotive news, reviews, commentary and editorials for The Garage (thegarageblog.com) and Car Keys (www.carkeys.ca). Tom first joined PCA as a member of the Central Pennsylvania Region in 1994 when he bought a 1987 924S. He rejoined PCA, this time with the Connecticut Valley Region in 2004 after he acquired his 1976 911S Targa.
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[Source: Tom Williams]