Well, I never thought of showing off with my Boxster, it was actually quite the opposite. In that matter I never cared about other people's opinion of what I like.
Retrospectively, I knew from day 1 how special the 986 was and realize even more now, what a pearl we got. To me it is a timeless classic, probably the only PORSCHE with a wonderful and unmatched interchangeability of parts/engines and designs (996 / Cayman).
Boxster 981 OEM Hardtop? Boxster 981 Cayman Hardtop? Boxster 981 with 991 gauges? Boxster 981 with a 991 engine? Even the 987 (not to mention 997 and 991) is not as versatile as a 986.
Ergo: The 986 is the most underrated Porsche. I realized that 15 years ago, other people might realize that in 15 years to come.