Pics of ugly stock antenna on Cayman

Hi all, I just returned from a trip to Argentina. Imagine my surprise and delight when en route to my gate I spied a nice cayman in the middle of the duty free shopping. The car was a prize for some contest for the shops. I only saw one Porsche the entire time in Buenos Aires, they are extremely rare and expensive. Considering it costs $45k USD to purchase a Toyota Camry it's no wonder so many people were flocking to this display to take pictures of this exotic car. What really caught my eye however was that this car had the stock radio antenna. The options guide says that it improves AM signal reception. All I could think was how ugly it looked. Here are some pictures... ps. I've taken the plunge and placed an order for my first Porsche. However the thrill of a convertible won me over, not to mention enjoying the value of getting a boxster S with the cayman 's engine. Its build date will be Jan 27th and I hope to get it some time in March. The details are Arctic Silver, Cocoa Interior, Sport Steering Wheel, Carrera Classic 19" wheels, heated seats, Bose and a black top.

i don't have that antena.. is that normal?

The in-windshield antenna is the standard piece, but it has somewhat limited reception, especially in the AM band. The on-fender antenna is an option, and has better reception; but, as has been pointed out, it doesn't look as good. Although, my experience has been that the in-windshield antenna has better FM reception than the mast antenna in my wife's Outback (I don't listen to AM much anymore).

Here in Philly most of the sports and right wing talk shows are on AM. That's typically how I pass my commute time. I asked the dealer about the optional antenna and was told no way. They have to drill a hole in the fender (as you can see) and it is in a terrible place. If they moved it to just aft of the apex of the rear fender it might look better, but not as good as no antenna. I typically drive with the radio off in the CS and commute in another car with great AM/FM/XM reception.

OMG... That's really retro. I guess if you must listen to AM, get portable radio/boom box instead of having that hideous antenna mounted on the fender.

wow...i never knew they made those antennas...looks ugly!!

wow...that is ugly. Congrats on the new Boxster . Love the Cocoa interior.

I would rather have no radio at all. Russ

RussK I am with you...I would rather listen to my iPod via headphones than ruin the perfect work of sculpture the Cayman is.

I wonder what old parts bin they dug that wart out of? At least they could have used the earlier 911 retractable antenna that could be locked down flush!!

Oh man, don't tell me you're one of those guys who thinks it's ok to drive with headphones on...

In a couple of those photos it looks like they painted, what on my car, is the black plastic area below the windshield where the wipers rest and which, when the hood is open, blends in with the rest of the black plastic cover for the battery etc.

Swancoat, I was kidding...here in California it is a serious ticket if you do. No, I crank the Bose and RPMs and let the Cayman S make beautiful music! :cheers:

Man, I actually did that once. ONCE. I had just gotten a new set of very nice Sennheiser headphones but had to go to work and was just so excited to have them I wanted to test them out on the way to work. It took me less than 5 minutes to realize my mistake. In about my 3rd intersection I was just crusing through a green light and glanced to my right to see an ambulance with full lights and siren coming right at me close enough to read the driver's lips (and understood fully the appropriate name he was calling me). It scared the crap out of me enough to where now I don't even listen to my stereo loud enough that I couldn't hear a siren. The headphones really are amazing btw.

bpoteat, I had a similar experience in LA with a Police Pursuit...had the CD Player cranked in my M5, and all of a sudden I am getting passed by a dozens LAPD and CHP cars, full Code 3, lights, sirens, etc. and I didn't hear a thing until it was too late. The last cop car slowed up next to me, I thought I was going to get a ticket or something, and he yelled out the window, thanks for stopping, just try to move to the right next time...never did see the car they were chasing, probably passed me as I was zoning out to Soundgarden or something. Crazy!!! I also play the radio low as well now...

I'd bet you're listening to smerconish at 1210am? ... it's been my morning station of choice for years BTW, my installer told me that windshield antennas eventually break, and sound quality degradates noticeably. Not sure how much truth to that.

What's AM?

Amen brother....! :cheers:

damn, i can't believe you have to pay for that they should've put it on the roof like the bmws

Big Talker 1210? That's what I listent to in NJ most of the time and have no reception issues.

I listen to AM about 80% of the time, news/traffic/sports, FM 15%, and ipod 5%

I listen to, in this order, my engine...AM...CD...horrible FM iPod connection....THEN FM. Folks who can stand listening to two idiots and an unattractive woman who get paid a grand a month to host a "morning zoo" must just have different taste. One exception...NPR. FM is for NPR. CDs are for music. I really need sat radio. I love it in rental cars.

Great Photos.................... And a Super Opportunity to Document, Possibly the Rarest Cayman on the Planet....... Remember to put the photos in the Gallery for reference!