Will the 987 Boxsters become classics?

[renzop]

Originally Posted by Jake Raby

I'd not expect any modern day production car to become a classic..

I disagree.

While I tend to think the popularization of the classic car hobby (think of Barret-Jackson on Speed) is a phenomenon that will lose its luster in a few more year, I think that cars are almost as important a part of the fantasy life of the average American male as it was 40 years ago.

As such, as that male grows old he will want to recapture his youth by reliving those fantasies. When that happens those 20-40 year old cars will become classics. How else can you explain the insane value of such cars as the 1958 Chevy Impala. It was not rare, it was not swooned over by magazines. It is and was not in any way beautiful (except in its bizarre grossness).

Of course that does not mean that any modern car is a good investment taken only as an investment.

[rick3000]

It's impossible to tell what will become a classic. More than likely older Boxsters will be worthless in a few years. To even be worth buying as a 'collectors item' you would have to keep it in mint condition for a few decades.

I would much rather enjoy my Boxster now, and not worry about what the car will be worth in the future. I have no intention of ever selling my Boxster and it will probably be worth far more to me when I'm older than to a car collector.

[mebiuspower]

Originally Posted by renzop

I disagree.

While I tend to think the popularization of the classic car hobby (think of Barret-Jackson on Speed) is a phenomenon that will lose its luster in a few more year, I think that cars are almost as important a part of the fantasy life of the average American male as it was 40 years ago.

As such, as that male grows old he will want to recapture his youth by reliving those fantasies. When that happens those 20-40 year old cars will become classics. How else can you explain the insane value of such cars as the 1958 Chevy Impala. It was not rare, it was not swooned over by magazines. It is and was not in any way beautiful (except in its bizarre grossness).

Of course that does not mean that any modern car is a good investment taken only as an investment.

Just like music, every generation thinks the next generation's music is total crap.

Baby boomers feeding the same crap back to their kids (ie. new beetle/mini).

There will always be "classics", whatever the next generation of cars/music/fashion is.

You can argue all gasoline cars will all become classic when we have flying cars.

[husker boxster]

"Classics" are probably more a function of the generation that's hit empty-nest, has the kid's college paid for, and is heading towards retirement with a few bucks in their pocket. They want to find a piece of their youth and relive it.

About 15 yrs ago Barrett-Jackson was filled with big Packards and Duesenbergs. Then the tri-5s took over. Now it's muscle cars. Just so happens the Baby Boomers are hitting my description above and they spent their college yrs during the muscle car era. The next "hot item" (classic?) is considered to be 77-79 Trans Ams. I'm considered a late Boomer and that was the hot car during my college yrs. Coincidence?

Since Porsches are expensive and few college age people are driving them, it will be harder for them to evoke that passion / nostalgia that a classic needs. Might they become museum pieces? Sure.

As far as 986s becoming classics and 987s not because of the weight gain, aren't 67-68 Mustangs considered classics as well as 65-66s? But with Mustangs, the more desirable ones have the big motors. The 914-6 is more desirable than a 914. There never has been a big HP Boxster that separates itself from the rest.

Just my $0.02 worth.

[Steve Tinker]

There was an interesting article in one of the Petroleum Institute's magazines a while ago discussing the "lifespan" of modern plastics and synthetic rubbers (for use of a better word). The general opinion was a life of approximately 20 years before the plastics lose their lubricity and bonding agents leading to decomposition. I think that foam rubber is a typical example, is it starts to decompose after less than 10 years, sometimes after 5 years for the cheaper stuff.
The magazine article noted that the plastics were still degenerating even in original packaging stored in warehouses.
And doesn't the Boxster have quite a few "plastic" engine parts in the sump subject to temperatures, oils and acids???
So what will the newer dashboards, arm rests, seat foam and door cards look like in (say) 30 years time when a normal, everyday type vehicle starts to become a classic to Joe Average - 'cos he had one as a kid?

[RandallNeighbour]

Originally Posted by mebiuspower

]You can argue all gasoline cars will all become classic when we have flying cars.

Speaking of flying cars, I was told by my dad that by the time I was middle aged, I'd probably have a personal jet pack AND a flying car.

Automotive technology has really moved slowly if you ask me! At this rate my boxster will never become a classic.

[Franco]

My car a classic wow...

Porsche Classic - Information about your Porsche vintage car - Porsche Cars North America