I'm glad it's here. My new good weather DD that replaces the (very fun) Miata. And it happened pretty quickly. I had a morning eye doctor appointment in late September and, after brunch, we were driving past Porsche Beachwood to get on the freeway. I said "let's stop and say hi to Brad. Maybe he has a GTS allocation." I had been considering getting another Boxster as soon as I heard about the move to turbo 4s that's coming. My TT had come from North Olmsted and they only had a changeable Boxster Black left that was available. Well, Brad had a GTS that was locking in what turned out to be hours. After some quick "dealing" (meaning I got crushed on the Miata, but I couldn't stop drooling on the computer screen), I was able to get the build changed and picked it up yesterday. About 8 weeks from "Hi" to finish. And the weather was terrific for this time of year in NE Ohio - 41 and a steady rain. No, really, that's great. No measurable snow yet, at least around me.
Eduardo asked that I post some pics (he's been so helpful and generous with his time; thanks again, Eduardo!), so here are a few from the service bay at Porsche Beachwood. The fancy delivery bays in front were full with an ultraviolet GT3RS and a white GT3, plus I think a black Panamera (no, I don't have any. I was so excited to get my car I forgot to take any pics of the RS, but the violet was very much to my liking). Since I insisted the car not be washed and I have known Brad for over 10 years, we were both fine with doing the delivery in the back. I was surprised they had a full service staff working on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and the place was hopping!
Great 90 mile drive home in a constant rain. Doing the 4200 RPM break in, so I have 1900 miles to go. Already ordered an oil change kit and a GR key plug from Suncoast to finish off the red bits in the interior. It was galling to pay $500 for the SC dial in GR, but it looks great IMO.
Brad comped me the smartTOP install and they put my plates and LED clear side markers on while I did the paperwork.
NE Ohio is down to 2 dealers from a peak of 5, but they have both been great to work with.

 

Very nice build!
You will love the SmartTop!
The 18 way seats are also great for long drives and I have had no support problems even on Track.-Richard

 

Beautiful, congrats! Love the red touches inside the cabin

 

Congrats! That will be an incredible DD and good call on picking one up before they switch to turbos. Enjoy in good health.

 

Classic line...we got hit early this year in Colorado.

Great looking car, the 981 series is in any model is just such a fun car to drive. I see you got X73, outstanding!

 

Congrats. It's AWESOME.

 

Looks great; congratulations! Good choice on X73 and MT. The right way!! :-)

How was Miata in snow/ice (with good winter tires) and rain? I am thinking about picking up a ND (Club) for winter/rainy days.

 

Thanks, folks.
Yes, I was a little concerned about the X73, since i wasn't able to drive a car with it, but I was relieved on the way home. It's firm but by no means too stiff, even on Ohio's "stellar" roads (including a set of RR tracks).
I missed my '13; they're a hoot.

 

Funny thing about the Miata - I bought it this May and traded in September. Not my best automotive "investment". I had planned on driving it at least a couple years, but my wife thought it was too small and too noisy. It was her idea to get another Boxster. Who was I to argue?
The Miata was fine in the rain but I have a Tundra for snow.

 

I test drove a GTS when I was looking for my Cayman. Really enjoyed it, great car. I was not looking for a ragtop (got that out of my system long ago when I drove a Miata daily for 6 years) or I would have been very tempted. Enjoy the car in good health.

 

Thanks so much. I had a '70 E-type roadster in college, which I loved the most of all my cars, probably at least in part due to being 19-21 at the time. After many years of poorness, I got an '88 turbo cab in 1991 and that "cured" me of convertibles for a long time. After a couple of 993 coupes I bought the '13 Boxster and really enjoyed it but traded it for a TT after a year. Missed the convertible/manual, so I bought a Miata in May that my wife never really liked. Ergo: this car. First impression is it may actually be 3X better than the Miata.
On a side note, I had a Venetian Blue '87 coupe from '94-'01 as my good weather DD. One of the prettiest colors ever made, IMO. Sold it back to the original owner in 2001 to buy a '98 C2S and wish I still owned BOTH of those cars.

 

It is a very pretty color, nearly everyone I meet comments on it.

I love the' 87 but the Cayman R I just picked up is better in every way, so the' 87 is probably going to be sold. I'll probably regret it one day but I've still got a 993 to scratch the air cooled itch.

 

I love the red sport chrono clock!
congrats

 

You don't say 'no' when the wife hands a free pass to get a toy! I am guessing your Miata was NC? Wonder if the ND's cabin would have been better in terms of wiggle room. But, I am not sold on ND's styling, yet!

 

Great car...you'll love it!