Anyone familiar with Porsche history will know the Boxster wasn't the automaker's first attempt at building a mainstream mid-engined roadster. While the 550 may be the most famous past inspiration for the Boxster, the 914, which hit the market in 1969, was produced on a far larger scale. The 914 was Porsche's entry-level model and was later available with flat-six engine. It handled beautifully and was affordable. But it was never able to fully escape the shadow of the 911.
Before the Boxster, there was the Porsche 914
The 914 still has plenty of devout owners.