An interlude to express my appreciation of the 986's design... Look at its beautiful lines, an auto-design symphony. Gotta hand it to Grant Larson; he nailed it. The design of the first series is aesthetically perfect. That said, my hands-down choice for most beautiful auto design has always been the series 1 E-type roadster. I wasn't alone in my opinion. Enzo Ferrari described the E-type as "the most beautiful car ever designed." I'll probably never own an E-type, but my unassuming little 986 definitely checks some of the same boxes for me.
NOTE: Personally, I prefer the base model to the S. I like the base's black instrumentation, front end treatment, and massive single tailpipe. Although I don't mind the much-maligned "fried egg" headlights, I have to admit that the clear headlights give it a very clean look. But man, are they pricey!