It would be crazy to have all of the best RUFs and 80s Mercedes-Benz AMGs in one place, right? But it’s really happening. A handful of the most notable models are about to go up for auction in a few short weeks, so we compiled everything you need to know about them.
In no time at all, Gooding Christie’s will offer these gorgeous vehicles at their Amelia Island Auctions from March 6–7. Of course, you can also register to bid on them here, or peek at the rest of the auction catalogue if you’re hooked.
Before we had the term “Supercar,” these marvels of modern engineering were sometimes called tuner cars, as they have been modified to reach peak performance. Usually these modifications are to achieve higher engine performance and dynamic handling. Enter RUF, a German car manufacturer. In the 80s and 90s, RUF utilized Porsche bodies to build cars with the most customized, peak performance possible. Now, they make their own vehicles, but the early ones remain highly desirable.
1989 RUF CTR ‘Yellowbird’
The Yellowbird is a super special iteration of the CTR, which is based on a 911 Carrera 3.2, keeping weight and aerodynamic drag to a minimum. But most crucial to the CTR is the 3.4-liter air-cooled flat six engine. Some CTRs were custom ordered with luxury amenities like air conditioning and adjustable Recaro seats, but clients could also specify the car to be Leichtbau, or lightweight. The name Yellowbird comes from a trial, in which the car simultaneously displayed remarkable speed and control. With a top speed of 211, the Yellowbird beat out the best from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and AMG. Only 29 Yellowbirds were ever produced, with only nine originally finished in Blutengelb, or Blossom Yellow. This particular 6-speed RUF gearbox Leichtbau specification is in time-capsule condition, with just two owners from new. Basically it’s one of the best RUFs money can buy.
1997 RUF CTR2
The CTR2 was the successor to the Yellowbird with a 993-generation Porsche 911 body, optimizing aerodynamics. This particular model boasts a 3,600 cc SOHC flat 6-cylinder engine, with TAGtronic electronic fuel injection. It was delivered new to Japan in November 1997 and was the only CTR or CTR2 to be finished in the striking Adriatic Blue. Prior to this scale, the CTR2 underwent a meticulous, multi-hundred-hour servicing and preparation process, ensuring that it’s delivered in insanely good condition. With a top speed of 217 mph, faster than the Lamborghini Diablo, Ferrari F50 and Jaguar XJ220, it’s got to be pretty good fun.
1989 Mercedes-Benz AMG 300 CE 6.0 ‘Hammer’
Mercedes AMG Hammers are high-performance models from the 80s. This one is extremely rare for a few reasons: it boasts a 6.0-liter DOHC V-8 engine that was built by AMG in Affalterbach, Germany. Most importantly, it’s the only known coupe with a five-speed manual gearbox. It was built to order for the infamous Italian industrialist Raul Gardini, and it comes delivered in Anthracite Grey Metallic with a widebody kit and ‘Aero III’ wheels, in addition to all its original books, toolkit, literature and more.
1988 Mercedes-Benz AMG 300 E 6.0 ‘Hammer’
Perhaps the most famous of the Hammer specification, the four-door sedan is one of the most iconic performance cars of the 80s, and a definitive example of AMG’s most iconic pre-merger model. AMG installed a 5.6-liter Type M117 engine, equipped with the Erhard Melcher-designed DOHC 32-valve heads and rated at 355 hp, granting it an AMG VIN. This particular model is the only known Hammer Sedan equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox and was recently rebuilt by marque specialist Blue Ridge MB.
These performance cars were unbelievable when they debuted, and they remain incredible testaments to engineering and design. If you’re hooked on this era of performance tuner cars, check out Gooding Christie's Amelia Island Auctions. While you wait, here’s Gooding Christie's online catalogue or you can register to bid if you’re hoping to get your hands on peak performance.
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