Never was big on the German cars. About 5 or so years ago I got my Ghia, just cause I wanted a rear engine vehicle (I entertained the idea of a diesel pusher bus, but the Ghia looked better). After I got it I loved it.
The little design things are fun. Like the fuel pump's gearing off the distributer shaft. I don't know why I like that, but there are things like that throughout the engine/car.
I love the 911, like a fast bug and good looking. But its just not really possible to daily drive a 911 (air cooled) on a 5 figure salary. I don't want a car I can't beat on.
My wife said she like the boxster, and after I started looking figured it is cheap enough for most to have. So I bought her a "badge". I didn't realize that they handle pretty damn well. After that it was a no brainer to get another and make it fast.
So I guess it started with VW.