Right Now, An Incredible Collection of RUFs is Up For Sale All At Once

RUFs are undeniably slept on, but they are really about to have their moment. With the resurgence of interest in 90s and early 2000s Porsches, you can’t leave RUFs out of the conversation. 

Founded in 1939 by Alois Ruf Sr., the legendary Ruf Automobile GmbH started off as a general and automotive repair workshop. In 1974, Alois Ruf Jr. took over the marque, shifting its focus to modifying and building Porsche-based automobiles. In 1981, RUF became an official 

German automobile manufacturer, and the rest is history. The cars built in-house at the RUF factory in Pfaffenhausen bear the all-important W09 VIN prefix, signifying that they are among the rarest, finest performing, custom-built and modified Porsche-bodied vehicles worldwide. 

We pulled together some of the most beautiful ones we’ve seen in a long time for your perusal. Believe it or not, they’re actually all being offered together at Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island Auctions in March, as part of RUF//The Collection, which is super exciting. The four cars are rare birds, and an absolute delight to look at. 

1998 RUF Turbo R (Estimate: $1,400,000-$1,800,000)

If this car looks a little familiar, that’s probably because it is. It was based on the 993-generation 911 Turbo, but is a little different with a revised front bumper, more aerodynamic door mirrors, 18” RUF five-spoke alloy wheels, and a signature RUF steering wheel. 

It underwent an upgrade at the RUF factory to be a little more similar to the even higher-performing Turbo R Limited series from 2016, with newer technology and advancements, including newer wheels, an elevated 560 PS specification, and a swanky sound system. The car is finished in a vibrant Porsche factory color Blutorange, or Blood Orange, giving it an iconic and gorgeous hue. With just four owners from new, in beautiful condition, and featuring mechanical and performance upgrades, this car is technologically advanced and ready for fun. 

1998 RUF Turbo R Cabriolet (Estimate: $1,250,000-$1,500,000)

There’s even more rarity in this collection, if you can believe it. There were 15 Turbo R vehicles manufactured by RUF, but only one was a Cabriolet body. This color combination matches the collection’s Turbo R in Blutorange. It also shows just 10,223 miles on the odometer. This model comes modified with RUF front facia, vents ahead of the front wheels, RUF-designed 18” five-spoke alloy wheels, aerodynamic mirrors, sports seats, a RUF steering wheel, and RUF-branded VDO instrumentation. Basically, this car exemplifies elevating great Porsches by maximizing their performance and rockin’ driver’s experience. If you like being the unique person in the room (or garage), this car is for you. 

1997 RUF BTR2 (Estimate: $900,000-$1,200,000)

In 1984, Road & Track magazine called the BTR the “world’s fastest car,” as it reached a top speed of 190 mph and achieved 0-60 mph in a mere 4.7 seconds. In 1994, the company introduced the BTR2, a successor based on the 993-generation Porsche 911. With an overhauled engine that beat its predecessor, a reworked front bumper, a fixed whale-tale rear spoiler, and an extra set of rear driving lights, this car is a real stunner. There are about 10 BTR2s believed to have been constructed by the RUF factory, with this one bearing chassis number 001. It shows fewer than 26,000 miles, but it’s ready for a whole lot more. 

2007 RUF RK Coupe (Estimate: $500,000-$700,000)

The RK Coupe was the brainchild of RUF’s collaboration with design house Studiotorino, which is the only time the Pfaffenhausen manufacturer ever had an external coachbuilder body a car. The “RK” stands for “RUF KOMPRESSOR,” an iteration of the RK Spyder. It comes with a compressor engine and mechanical turbo charger, producing 440 bhp. Only two RKs were ever built: there was the prototype in the Studioturino museum, and this sole production example – talk about rare! This particular model has had only two owners since new. It definitely has a stylistic resemblance to vintage Porsches, with black leather upholstery and contrasting red stitching. Did we mention it has just 6,642 miles on the odometer?

This collection will likely be passed to the hands of discerning collectors with a need for speed. Until then, you can comb through the online Gooding & Company catalogue before the Amelia Island Auctions in March, see more beautiful examples, or register to bid if you’re feeling gutsy.