To say the Boxster saved Porsche is an understatement. To set the scene, Porsche had gone from selling over 50,000 cars per year in the mid-1980s to 14,000 in 1993. With the 911 in need of a refresh and the front-engined 968 selling poorly, younger buyers had lost interest in the brand and the outlook was bleak. Something needed to be done before the company faltered, and the Boxster was just that something.

Designed by Grant Larson, the Boxster’s purpose was to target the USA where Porsche sales were weak. The car needed to be affordable but have all the hallmarks of a Porsche. The design took inspiration from the 550 Spyder and 718 RS of the 1950s (the central exit exhaust, larger front overhang, and air intakes), but also incorporated modern features like new headlight and taillight designs. On the inside, the Boxster continued its modern classic design style with features including terracotta trimmed leather and suede, body-coloured door panels and possibly some of the coolest air vents ever seen.

The true masterstroke of Larson’s work was being able to combine an original design with the German’s requirements of frugality. Porsche wanted to target the mid-market sportscar sector, which meant the Boxster needed to be cheap. But in true Porsche fashion, they were not willing to compromise on quality. Queue the COP (Carried over parts) philosophy. Originally pioneered by the likes of Toyota, the idea was to use common parts across a range of cars, which meant you could still build a quality product, but at a lower production cost. By incorporating parts destined for the upcoming 911 (see everything in front of the A-pillar), Larson created a car that was not only cheaper to manufacture, but also created a design language that would carry into the new 911, making the Boxster a warm-up act for the 996.

The concept was launched in 1991 at the Detroit Auto Show and was an instant hit. The US press was wowed at the concept of a sub $40,000 Porsche, in comparison to the $64,000 price tag of the 911. Autoweek called the car “best in show” and allegedly blank cheques were written by many prospective clients. Porsche’s management was so impressed by the public's response, they stopped the design of the road car and decreed, “please build the concept, exactly like that”.