As we approach the Boxster's thirtieth anniversary, we find ourselves considering the brilliance of the four-cylinder turbocharged 718, one of the most controversial models in Porsche production history. We're big fans of the force-fed 2.5-litre variant, especially in GTS trim. The car pictured on these pages is one such example, offered for sale by Chertsey-based independent Porsche specialist, GT One. If you're inconsolable over the fact a turbocharged four-pot doesn't sound like a normally aspirated six-shooter, you can always upgrade the GTS's standard exhaust with an aftermarket system from any one of a number of tuners well aware of the value in producing pipework radically changing the noise from the turbocharged 718's back end. You're likely to free a few trapped ponies over the standard 360bhp, too.
The 718 Boxster GTS (and its Cayman GTS stablemate) was announced in October 2017. In standard trim, the PDK-equipped GTS can complete the zero to 60mph dash in a scant 4.1 seconds (just 0.2 seconds slower than the 718 Cayman GTS), but the punchy B4-type boxer is a fantastic platform for modifying, and with the earliest cars now out of warranty, we're seeing an increasing number of owners experimenting with tuning equipment, recognising the possibility of unleashing big power far easier than if they were toying with a flat-six free of forced induction.
Production of the turbocharged GTS ended in 2019, a response to complaints from Porsche purists demanding the Boxster/Cayman's return to a flat-six. As we know, Porsche obliged with the introduction of the Boxster/Cayman GTS 4.0. Values of the 2.5-litre GTS saw an immediate hit, but with the Boxster variant now sitting at a very agreeable price point, and with spring encouraging drop-top motoring, it's time to go shopping.
At the time of writing, a scan of the Pistonheads website reveals nineteen 718 Boxster GTSs for sale, one more than the number of same-specification Caymans. Prices start at £37,990. For this, you get a one-owner 2018 718 Boxster GTS with 76,761
