Santa Monica, Calif. (January 30, 2025) — Gooding Christie’s is proud to present a stupendous lineup consisting of the modern era’s most definitive, legendary, and influential supercars from RUF, Mercedes-Benz AMG, Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini for its Amelia Island Auctions this March. A pristine, time-capsule condition RUF CTR Yellowbird is among the headlining lots of the sale, coming to market as arguably the finest Yellowbird in existence and surely the most significant RUF to come to public auction. A pair comprising the only two known manual gearbox-equipped, 6.0-liter, pre-merger AMG Hammers, the sole Adriatic Blue RUF CTR2, and a Porsche 959 with royal provenance round out this knockout lineup. All of these offerings, along with the rest of Gooding Christie’s Amelia Island Auctions catalogue, will cross the block on Thursday, March 6 and Friday, March 7 at the Omni Amelia Island Resort.
Next week, from February 5 to 9, Gooding Christie’s will proudly display the Yellowbird at the upcoming Salon Rétromobile in Paris, taking place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Prospective buyers, interested clients, and media are invited to visit the booth to inspect this spectacular offering in person. Gooding Christie’s is located at stand no. 1 K 080; media and clients are strongly encouraged to schedule meetings in advance.
“Every enthusiast who grew up reading Road & Track will remember the famous ‘World’s Fastest Car’ test and the fold-out cover featuring the 211 mph RUF Yellowbird being chased by the latest supercars from Porsche, Ferrari, AMG, and Lamborghini,” says David Brynan, Gooding Christie’s Senior Specialist. “Supercars from the 1980s and 90s have been rediscovered by a new generation of collectors and are among the most sought-after classics in today’s market. It is exciting to offer a selection of these rare and iconic models at Amelia Island, which stand out for their exceptional quality, documentation, and high standard of presentation.”
“The CTR Yellowbird was a significant turning point for RUF and for modern performance cars in general, and it remains a testament to the very essence of our brand: an unrelenting commitment to engineering excellence, innovative technical design, and the highest possible standard of automotive performance. The cultural impact of the Yellowbird could not be overstated, and we are so proud of its lasting influence that struck in awe an entire generation of enthusiasts and reinvented the benchmark for a modern performance supercar,” says Alois and Estonia Ruf of RUF Automobile GmbH. “We are incredibly excited to see this exceptional example come to auction, sure to set a new milestone for RUF as one of our most significant cars to come out of Pfaffenhausen. The presentation of this Yellowbird at Gooding Christie’s Amelia Island Auctions signals a new chapter for the ever-growing appreciation of these air-cooled classics in the global marketplace. With its remarkably low mileage, originality, and provenance consisting of just two private owners from new, this Leichtbau Yellowbird is a prime example of our definitive model. We look forward to welcoming its next fortunate owner into the RUF family.”
1989 RUF CTR ‘Yellowbird’ (Estimate: In Excess of $6,000,000) In 1987, RUF unveiled the radical new CTR, its vision of the ultimate 911-based performance car, engineered as an unrelenting automotive machine. RUF based its CTR on the standard, narrow-bodied 911 Carrera 3.2 to keep weight and aerodynamic drag to a minimum. The CTR was powered by a 3.4-liter air-cooled flat six engine, featuring twin turbochargers, twin intercoolers, and an early version of Bosch Motronic fuel injection. Its powerful output was conservatively rated at 463 bhp at 5,960 rpm. RUF was put on the map in 1987 when its CTR was crowned the winner of Road & Track’s famed “World’s Fastest Cars” event, where it absolutely smoked the competition with a top speed of 211 mph. During this session, the CTR was nicknamed the “Yellowbird,” and the moniker has stuck ever since. In the nearly 40 years since its introduction, the Yellowbird’s lasting influence and legacy has only grown. This groundbreaking RUF model has been featured in virtually every motor magazine and countless books, articles, films, and video games – however, with only 29 produced in total, it is quite a rare occurrence to see one of these original Yellowbirds out and about. Recognized the world over as the pinnacle of automotive excellence, the Yellowbird is one of the most iconic performance cars of the modern era, and among the most publicized automobiles in recent memory. The CTR offered here, chassis 026, is arguably the finest extant, presented in pristine original condition and showing less than 1,700 km from new. The 26th CTR built at RUF’s workshop in Pfaffenhausen, it is one of just nine Yellowbirds originally finished in the model’s definitive Blutengelb, or Blossom Yellow, livery. It was also specified in the most desirable Leichtbau (Lightweight) configuration, and equipped with an integrated Matter aluminum roll cage, Recaro lightweight “clubsport” seats, and optioned with RUF’s proprietary six-speed manual gearbox. Upon completion, 026 was delivered to its first owner, and remained in a private collection based in Germany. Over the next 30 years, 026 was kept in a climate-controlled facility, driven only sparingly. In 2020, the CTR was sold to the current American owner, a gentleman whose ethos as a collector can be succinctly summarized as “the best of the best.” Since his acquisition of the car, the CTR has not been driven nor publicly exhibited, instead being meticulously cared for on a regular maintenance schedule. In all respects, this Yellowbird is a benchmark setting, time-capsule example retaining its factory-applied paint and interior finishes, identification plates, and serial-numbered components. It comes offered with important accessories and spares, as well as its RUF Zertifikat, copy of original invoice, books, and tools. As the lowest mileage CTR known to exist, Yellowbird chassis 026 stands as a textbook example of the ultimate late 1980s tuner sports car, in virtually as-new condition.
Pair of Mercedes-Benz AMG ‘Hammer’ 6.0-Liter Cars Founded in 1967, the AMG brand has become synonymous with automotive excellence, specializing in high-performance versions of Mercedes-Benz production cars. In the mid-1980s, AMG developed its own DOHC, four-valve-per-cylinder head for the M117 engine, paving the way for its most iconic model: the venerable Hammer. Upon debut in 1986, the Hammer was the nickname granted to a limited series of Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class sedans, coupes, and wagons fitted with these AMG-tuned engines. Offered in 5.6- and 6.0-liter variants producing between 355 and 375 hp, the Hammer would go down in history as one of the fastest road-going automobiles ever built. In 1987, Road & Track included a Hammer in its “The World’s Fastest Cars” shoot-out, where it masterfully performed alongside the most impressive cars of the day. Its unrivaled success as a performance powerhouse laid the groundwork for AMG’s eventual merger with Mercedes-Benz, captivating enthusiastic customers around the world – such as Raul Gardini, the infamous Italian industrialist who originally commissioned the pair of bespoke, manual gearbox-equipped AMG Hammers offered here: a 1989 Mercedes-Benz AMG 300 CE 6.0 ‘Hammer’ (Estimate: $1,500,000 – $2,000,000) and a 1988 Mercedes-Benz AMG 300 E 6.0 ‘Hammer’ (Estimate: $1,250,000 – $1,750,000). Both of these offerings are genuine Affalterbach-built Hammers with AMG VINs.
The 300 E 6.0 ‘Hammer’ Sedan is the only known example with a 6.0-liter Type M117 engine and five-speed manual gearbox, and comes to auction with a known history from new. At Affalterbach, it was fitted with an AMG exhaust system, suspension kit, body kit, “Aero I” wheels, and a long-range fuel tank. Inside, the Recaro seats were trimmed in brown Buffalo leather, which present in immaculate condition today. Under previous ownership, the Hammer Sedan was recommissioned by Europa Imports of Winnetka, Illinois, while marque experts Blue Ridge MB of Lilburn, Georgia rebuilt the engine. More recently, in current ownership, the Sedan has been carefully detailed to show-quality standards and presents in pristine condition, showing 56,010 km at the time of cataloguing.
The 300 CE 6.0 ‘Hammer’ Coupe, one of approximately 25 built by AMG, is the only known example equipped with the 6.0-liter DOHC V-8 engine and five-speed manual Getrag gearbox. Originally finished in Anthracite Grey Metallic (DB 172) over black leather, the highly optioned E-Class Coupe was shipped directly to the AMG workshop in Affalterbach, where it received an AMG exhaust system, wide-body kit, and three-piece ‘Aero III’ wheels. Inside, the cabin was fitted with heavily bolstered Recaro bucket seats and a small-diameter AMG-branded MOMO steering wheel. The Coupe remained in Italy until 2014, and since 2015, has had just two private owners. Recently treated to an extensive concours-level detailing process under current ownership, this low-mileage Hammer Coupe presents extremely well, displaying just 57,423 km at the time of cataloguing. This Hammer is also accompanied with copies of the original Automobile Club d’Italia registration records and Italian-language owner’s manual and maintenance booklet, as well as AMG Italia, Becker, and Michelin brochures.
Further, both of these Hammers were inspected, physically verified, and researched in the Affalterbach archives by AMG Classic and MKB Manufacture, and each are accompanied with their respective AMG Classic Conversion certificate confirming original build details and component numbers. Gooding Christie’s is honored to present this exceptional pair, among the finest, pre-merger AMG machines and assuredly among the most important Hammers ever built, at Amelia Island this March.
1997 RUF CTR2 (Estimate: $2,000,000 – $2,500,000) In 1996, RUF debuted the CTR2 as the successor to its legendary Yellowbird. Based on the 993-generation Porsche 911, each CTR2 was constructed from a narrow-body 993 shell for the utmost aerodynamic efficiency. The CTR2 was defined by its taller, bi-functional rear spoiler, complemented by a redesigned composite rear bumper housing twin central exhaust pipes and additional vents for engine cooling. Its interior featured leather-clad bucket seats, air-conditioning, electric windows, and a standard full roll cage. Its engine, derived from the 993 Turbo’s 3.6-liter unit, featured extensive upgrades including larger BorgWarner K26/27 turbochargers. The CTR2 was powered by a revised six-speed Getrag manual transmission, with an engine producing an impressive 520 hp at 5,800 rpm. As one of just 18 examples built in total, this 1997 CTR2, delivered new to Japan, is the sole CTR or CTR2 finished in the vibrant early Porsche 911 color of Adriatic Blue. Equipped with optional all-wheel drive, its specifications include a lightweight black leather interior, carbon fiber bucket seats with hardbacks painted Adriatic Blue, and a leather-wrapped roll cage. Acquired by the current owner in July 2020, the CTR2 was imported into the US from Japan and subsequently prepared in a meticulous, multi-hundred-hour servicing process. One of only four examples known in the US, this RUF CTR2 presents in highly original, well-maintained condition throughout.
1988 Porsche 959 Komfort (Estimate: $1,750,000 – $2,250,000) During the early 1980s, Porsche initiated a project to create a road car homologated for the FIA Group B racing series. The result of this pursuit came in the form of the 1987 Porsche 959, a vehicle redefining the boundaries of performance and technology. Boasting a sleek profile and aerodynamic design, the 959 was powered by a 2.85-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, producing 450 hp at 6,500 rpm. From 1987 to 1988, only 292 production units were built in total, with 242 Comfort variants featuring standard air-conditioning, cabin insulation, leather upholstery, and an adjustable hydraulic ride-height system. This 1988 Porsche 959 Comfort is one of just 31 examples finished in Graphite Metallic, paired with a Dark Grey Metallic leather interior. Originally delivered to HRH Prince Sufri Bolkiah of the Royal Family of Brunei, this 959 remained in the family’s expansive car collection, where it was used sparingly, until it was sold to Canadian collector Phil Richardson in 2004. In 2006, the 959 passed to collector and tuner Ken Lingenfelter, who entrusted noted specialist Canepa of Scotts Valley, California for servicing. Presented in superb condition today, this distinctive 959 is being offered at public auction for the very first time and is believed to have covered less than 2,000 miles from new.
From The Rosso Italiano Collection, Offered Without Reserve The Amelia Island Auctions will also feature five examples of iconic Ferrari and Lamborghini models from the Rosso Italiano Collection, entirely offered without reserve. The collection is led by a Bertone-bodied 1984 Lamborghini Countach 5000S (Estimate: $575,000 – $650,000, Without Reserve) with sidedraft Weber carburetors, presented in a striking red over black color scheme with an optional factory wing. This well-kept, largely original Countach showed just 17,793 km at the time of cataloguing, and benefits from recent servicing. Also offered from the Raging Bull marque is an early, US-specification 1991 Lamborghini Diablo (Estimate: $350,000 – $425,000, Without Reserve) showing less than 4,000 miles at the time of cataloguing. A trio of Ferraris are also on offer: a Rosso Corsa over black leather 2002 Ferrari 575M (Estimate: $275,000 – $350,000, Without Reserve) showing just 165 miles, a Scaglietti-bodied 1980 Ferrari 512 BB (Estimate: $250,000 – $300,000, Without Reserve), and a 1986 Ferrari Testarossa (Estimate: $225,000 – $275,000, Without Reserve) equipped with the desirable Monospecchio and center-lock wheels. Additional catalogue offerings from the late 1980s to the early aughts include a 1997 Porsche 993 Turbo S (Estimate: $550,000 – $650,000) finished in Arctic Silver Metallic over a special-order Boxster Red leather interior and carbon fiber trim. A race-proven 1989 Nissan 300ZX IMSA GTO (Estimate:$400,000 – $600,000) driven by John Morton, Jeremy Dale, and Steve Millen is also on offer, as is a striking 2003 Lamborghini Murciélago (Estimate: $400,000 – $500,000, Without Reserve) finished in desirable Nero Aldebaran over Nero Perseus. Gooding Christie’s will also present a bespoke manual 1994 Porsche 928 GTS (Estimate: $350,000 – $500,000) specified in Guards Red, custom built by the Porsche Exclusive and Motorsport Departments as commissioned by tennis champion Helena Suková. The 928 GTS is one of just four such examples to be equipped with the X83 fender option, along with a host of other rarely seen factory specifications.
Amelia Island Auctions Date: Thursday, March 6 at 3 p.m. EST, and Friday, March 7 at 11 a.m. EST Location: Racquet Park, Omni Amelia Island Resort Public Preview: Wednesday, March 5 through Friday, March 7 Auction Catalogue: $100, includes admission for two to the viewing and the auctions General Admission: $40, includes admission for one to the viewing and the auctions Bidder Registration: www.goodingco.com/register Live Auction Broadcast: www.goodingco.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/GoodingandCompany X: @goodingandco Instagram: @goodingandcompany YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/GoodingandCompany Phone: +1.310.899.1960
About Gooding Christie’s Gooding Christie’s is world renowned for its market-leading automotive auctions, private brokerage, and unparalleled service in the international collector car market with over two decades of operation. Gooding Christie’s consistently sets world record prices and redefines market standards through both its live auctions and Geared Online platform with best-of-category cars across numerous verticals. The commitment to presenting the highest quality of consignments while operating with the utmost integrity and transparency has provided the company an unmatched reputation of trust and respect. Offering a wide range of services including private and estate sales, appraisals, collection management, and financing options, Gooding Christie’s is ready to assist you. To browse available offerings, discover upcoming auctions, view conditions of sale, or learn more about consigning your vehicle or registering to bid at a future sale, please visit goodingco.com.
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