Jonny’s Boxster project visits the Nielsen Academy
Jonny has been launching a Boxster project series on his YouTube channel, and in the latest video, Nielsen’s products and our very own Graham take centre stage, along with a few of our cleaning products, for what will likely be the deepest clean the Boxster has ever seen.
Jonny has combined one of the most lovable sports cars of the early 2000s – a Porsche Boxster 986 – with a bargain-bin price of £1900, some well-earned TLC from the Nielsen Heritage Range, and a mechanical revamp to bring forth a car that demands to be looked at.
In a latest video of the series on The Late Brake Show, Jonny documents the car’s transformation. Watch the full transformation video now!
Boxster 986: The car that saved Porsche
The Boxster 986 might not carry the prestige of a 911, but it’s one of the most important models in Porsche’s history. Introduced in the late 1990s, the 986 helped revive the brand’s financial fortunes with its affordable pricing and mid-engine balance; however, what made this car stand out was the fun people had, and continue to have, driving it.
Jonny’s bargain is a 2002 pre-facelift model, complete with the quirky plastic rear window, original fabric roof, and some age-earned scuffs – including high mileage (129,000+), orange peel on the bonnet, and minor corrosion on the rear arches. Still, it’s mechanically sound and, as Jonny puts it, “a car that wants to be driven.”
Despite its wear, Jonny lucked out. Common 986 headaches like seized suspension bolts, extensive rust, and split windows were largely avoided.
Although everything about this car shouts “stellar bargain”, the most impressive feat is that he picked it up for £1,900 – nearly unheard of in a market where even the roughest Boxsters rarely sell for less than £5,000. Most tidy examples trade between £7,000 and £13,000.
A timeline of revival
- Step 1: The find – Jonny bought the Boxster 986 for £1,900 and put it through an MOT.
- Step 2: The first deep clean – During winter, he brought it here, to the Nielsens’ detailing academy for its first proper wash in years.
- Step 3: The mechanical overhaul – Only after the car was clean did Jonny begin the mechanical work. He treated the car and himself to a full suspension refresh with BC coilovers and a polybush kit.
The detailing process didn’t just make the car look better – it exposed some minor rust and helped lay the groundwork for a longer-lasting, better-driving machine.
Detailing a car that deserves better
Graham utilised our professional-grade, enthusiast-friendly Heritage range, and together with Jonny, they set out to breathe new life into the paint, interior, and convertible roof.
The detailing process
- Pre-wash – diluted 10:1, sprayed on dry panels to loosen dirt without touching the paint.
- Agitation – medium-bristle brushes were used to gently lift algae, bird lime, and grit.
- Wheel cleaner – non-acidic formula safe on alloys; left to dwell while arches were scrubbed.
- Snow foam – a pH-neutral formula used to degrease and prepare the paint.
- Main wash – with Cherry Shampoo, a gentle yet effective solution for a safe and lubricated contact wash.
- Rinse – the Fallout Remover was applied to draw iron contaminants from the paint, and although most of the footage is missing, we get to see some of it in action.
- Machine polish & Exhibition Polish – used to refine and seal the finish (also lost in footage).
- Interior detail – included new mats, a deep seat clean, and a trim refresh (some footage was lost).
- Roof care – fabric protector applied after cleaning to repel moisture and prevent leakage.
Why the method matters
Graham and Jonny used a no-contact pre-wash and snow foam combo to lift grime before ever touching the body. That’s critical – this stage can remove 85% of the dirt (as one reviewer notes), and prevents scratches.
Medium brushes helped tackle tight areas, such as arches and badges, while quality microfibre cloths reduced swirls during the final stages.
As Graham explains:
Detailing is so broad, but we are doing entry-level cleaning here. Cleaning that anyone can do with minimal experience, limited time, and without spending a fortune. It’s about doing what works for you. When you are happy with it, then you are done.
Even a quick clean can be rewarding – and with Nielsen, beginners can get pro-grade results without needing to take the wheels off.
Products featured in Jonny’s detail
Fabric Protector*
*Only available in the Professional Range
Many of these are available in bundle deals at great value for weekend detailers.
Maintenance Bundle
Upgrade to this comprehensive kit with eight key products, perfect for keeping your car looking its best.
Starter Bundle
The essential kit for any detailing enthusiast, featuring six of our must-have products to get you started.
What others say about Nielsen
Nielsen products are backed by decades of experience and loved by real users:
Exhibition polish is fantastic! Easy to apply… superb high gloss.
Pre wash works well… 85% of the muck was washed off… fantastic results.
Wheel cleaner was excellent… no complaints.
With an average rating of 5 stars on Trustpilot, and with our own Wheel Cleaner being crowned “Best Value Wheel Cleaner in 2025” by Parkers, here at Nielsen, we win points for performance, delivery, and ease of use.
Watch the transformation unfold
Catch the full video on The Late Brake Show YouTube channel, head over to our products and click buy! For a limited time only, there is a very special Nielsen discount code of 35%! Use the code TLBS35 at checkout!
Whether you’re restoring a modern classic or refreshing your daily, Nielsen’s Heritage range makes detailing simple, satisfying, and affordable.
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