Making the most of it 1999 Porsche Boxster 986

‘A summer of excuses’, I predicted. And sure enough, at every opportunity I’ve enjoyed a blast in the Boxster – when I haven’t been using my BMW Convertible, that is. But I bought the Porsche with the intention of pressing it into regular service rather than saving it for Sunday Best, and since the last instalment there have been a few longer trips, not least to Scarborough with Mrs W for a rock concert, and a hugely enjoyable foray to my folks in Lancashire via the Peak District, achieved in less time than it’d usually take via the M6. This car was made for a quiet evening on the A515, revelling in the twists out of Ashbourne and the spearing straights en route to Buxton.

Then came a call from my old uni mate, Andrew Wilcox, someone I hadn’t seen for a decade or two but who now works at the Classic Motor Hub near Bibury. What a great excuse for a drive across the Cotswolds: for me, that’s the B4031 via Croughton, Aynho and Deddington, then out towards Chipping Norton and the A361 to Burford. Scenic and twisty, and a fabulously sunny afternoon for it, too. Perfect.

The former Historic Motoring Awards class winner and finalist holds regular ‘Coffee & Classics’ events, with space for 250 cars of all types. Before the onslaught of visitors, Andy showed me around the impressive workshops and showrooms; there’s also a shop and café, so it’s a destination for car enthusiasts even if there isn’t an organised event going on.

But it’s even more impressive when visitors begin to arrive in their cars. The atmosphere became a heady mix of petrolheadonism and summer barbecue, all with the backdrop of Classic Motor Hub’s extensive inventory of cars for sale, and the soundtrack provided by a singer and guitarist. Very cool.

Highlight cars on the night included (for me) a highly patinated Tatra 603, a beautiful Lancia Flaminia convertible, a superb Citroën SM, and (as you might expect) every type and era of 911. The next Coffee & Classics (and the last for this year) is on Sunday 2 October. Book your spot via classicmotorhub.com and enjoy the trip.

I did. Even the journey home was fun: mid-summer, not quite dark even by the time I got home at gone 11, a wonderful fast drive along the A40 back to Oxford (normally clogged in daytime traffic: it really flows when it’s not busy) and the Brackley roundabouts along the A43 pretty much all to myself. Boxster heaven.

All told, we’re now at well over 3000 miles in six months of ownership, still no problems evident, still averaging more than 30mpg. There’s been an MoT test, with a pass easily achieved after nipping up the handbrake adjustment. Yes, the tear in the rear ’screen is still held together with Gorilla tape, but the damage hasn’t got any worse, it remains water-tight, and with the roof down you’d never know it was there. Maybe my opinion on that will change come winter but I’m having too much fun to notice.

‘What a great excuse for a drive across the Cotswolds. Scenic and twisty, and a fabulously sunny afternoon for it, too. Perfect’

Above, and top right In its element, at speed, top-down on a summer day; at the Classic Motor Hub’s evening gathering, with 250 cars and a musician providing the party soundtrack.