During its lifetime, the Porsche Boxster has had some sort of unfair stigma attached to it—that of being a poor man’s 911. But this mid-engined convertible has increasingly proven itself to be worthy of as much respect as its veteran brother. And this year, the iconic model celebrates its 25th anniversary by going back to what started it all.

In the early 1990s, Porsche was in deep financial trouble with the poor sales of its 928. The company needed to rejuvenate its image as a builder of driver-oriented cars, and it had to do it with something that was a little more affordable than the 911 to drive sales. After some fettling with the automaker’s management traditions and engineering practices, the first Boxster debuted at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show as a concept vehicle.

It is this very show car from which the celebratory 718 Boxster gets its inspiration. The same GT Silver Metallic paint job on the concept Boxster is contrasted by trim pieces and alloy wheels in Neodyme—a brown hue that has a copper-like sheen. The entire appearance package is a pleasant mix of black and chrome accents, as well as upscale Porsche Exclusive Design elements. If silver is not to their liking, customers can spec their Boxster 25 Years in Deep Black Metallic and Carrara White Metallic.

As expected, the interior of this special model is decked out with the best from the Boxster’s parts bin. Owners are greeted by supple Bordeaux leather, which matches the red fabric roof. Cabin accents are finished in aluminum, and the heated steering wheel and 14-way adjustable seats ensure that everyone can find a perfect driving position. Driving home the point of this car’s existence are the numerous “Boxster 25” labels.

Sitting behind the driver’s seat of the Boxster 25 Years is the 4.0-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. Devoid of any forced induction, this motor produces a high-pitched wail to the tune of 395hp. Buyers would be pleased to know that a slick six-speed manual gearbox is available alongside the fast-shifting seven-speed PDK transmission. In the handling department, the Boxster 25 Years comes standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management and Porsche Torque Vectoring with a limited-slip differential.

Since its introduction in 1996, the Boxster has steadily grown in popularity and become a more capable sports car. Some have even argued it is more fun to drive, which is saying something about a car that has always stayed in the shadow of Porsche’s most iconic vehicle. But there will always be a place for the Boxster and its Cayman twin for another 25 years and beyond.