2006 Porsche Cayman S

This 2006 Porsche Cayman S represents one of the purest modern Porsche ownership experiences available today, pairing a naturally aspirated flat-six with a 6-speed manual transmission in what many enthusiasts still regard as one of Stuttgart’s best-balanced chassis.

Introduced as the fixed-roof sibling to the Boxster, the first-generation 987 Cayman quickly earned a reputation for delivering something special. With its mid-engined layout, compact proportions and communicative hydraulic steering, the Cayman offered exceptional balance and precision, to the point where many felt it was dynamically superior to contemporary 911s. Nearly two decades on, the 987 remains increasingly sought after for preserving the analogue characteristics that modern sports cars have steadily moved away from.

At the heart of this example sits Porsche’s naturally aspirated 3.4-litre flat-six, delivering power in a linear and characterful manner that rewards revs and driver input. Paired with a proper 6-speed manual gearbox, it offers a level of mechanical engagement that has become increasingly rare in today’s market. The combination of mid-engine balance, hydraulic steering and manual control creates the kind of connected driving experience that defines why enthusiasts continue to gravitate toward older Porsches.

What makes this particular Cayman S especially compelling is not just the specification, but the sheer depth of maintenance and sorting already carried out under ownership.

Prospective 987 buyers are typically aware of the platform’s common age-related wear points, including suspension fatigue, drivetrain mount wear, clutch hydraulic issues, air-conditioning faults, window regulator failures, oil leaks and air-oil separator problems. On many cars, these deferred maintenance items can quickly turn ownership expensive.

This example stands apart by having already addressed much of that.

An extensive file of invoices documents substantial expenditure across mechanical, drivetrain, suspension, electrical and cosmetic areas. Major maintenance works include replacement of the engine mount, transmission mounting components, clutch master cylinder, ignition coils, MAP sensor, air-oil separator and associated vent lines, oil hoses, vacuum actuators and air-conditioning compressor. Rear differential rectification has also been carried out, further reinforcing the car’s mechanical integrity.

The suspension system has received meaningful attention as well, with multiple suspension bearings and related wear items replaced to restore chassis precision and confidence. These are particularly important jobs on an ageing performance car and contribute significantly to how the car feels on the road.

Braking performance has also been upgraded with a Brembo GT brake setup featuring 2-piece floating front rotors, upgraded rear braking components and refinished yellow calipers. The result is braking performance with stronger bite, improved thermal management and greater consistency under spirited driving.

Further enhancing the experience is a REMUS cat-back exhaust system, which adds a deeper, more purposeful soundtrack to the naturally aspirated flat-six without overwhelming the car’s refined character. Complementing this is a premium performance suspension setup that sharpens body control and improves composure while maintaining road usability.

Importantly, the maintenance philosophy here extends beyond major mechanical items. Interior switches, trim pieces, plastic covers, control buttons, seat-related components, window regulators and cosmetic details have also been refreshed over time. Even the wheels have undergone cosmetic restoration. This attention to detail reflects an owner focused not merely on keeping the car running, but on preserving the overall ownership experience.

Collectively, over S$25,000 worth of documented maintenance, repairs and refurbishment has been invested into this Cayman under recent ownership. That expenditure tells an important story: this is not a neglected 987 awaiting expensive catch-up work, but a thoroughly sorted example where significant ownership costs have already been absorbed.

As analogue sports cars continue to disappear, cars like the 987 Cayman S manual become increasingly relevant. Compact, naturally aspirated, manual and richly communicative, it represents an era where driver engagement came before digital assistance.

For the enthusiast seeking a genuinely sorted manual Porsche with strong maintenance history and meaningful upgrades, this Cayman S presents a rare opportunity to step into one of the most rewarding driver’s cars of its generation.