When Porsche launched the first-generation Boxster (the 986 series) in late 1996 it was a big surprise and during development was a pretty big secret and Porsche had very high hopes for this new model. At the time Porsche only had the 911 in production and was far from being what it is today with a range of different models from hybrid supercars to SUVs.
Automakers go to great lengths to hide their prototypes. They use different body parts, camouflage and sometimes even different bodies from other models.
In this video below Porsche Museum’s Chief of Archive, Dieter Landenberger, takes us back in history and says the idea of a mid-engine car was a “big secret” in the early 90’s and to hide the fact they are working on a mid-engine sports car, they had the Boxster prototype fitted with a 911 Targa Turbo body. The only notable change was a modified rear spoiler and camouflaged rear window to hide the mid-mounted flat-6.
The Boxster is now in its third generation and has proven to be a great success for the Stuttgart based automaker.
