Ruf Turbo R Limited (2017)

Founded in Pfaffenhausen just before the Second World War, Ruf was a small automotive service centre for the first 50 years of its existence. After the passing of Alois Ruf Snr in 1974, Jnr sought to indulge his passion for the iconic Porsche 911…by making them faster. With each model launched, their successes and experience furthered.

The CTR ‘Yellowbird’ shocked the world when it earned the title of 'The Worlds Fastest Car' at an event organised by Road & Track magazine in 1987. Trumping a host of other Porsche ‘tuners’ as well as factory entrants including the 959 and Ferrari F40, the Yellowbird made the headlines with an astonishing 211mph top speed. A body-in-white Porsche, the Ruf with its own chassis number later hit 217mph, a record that would stand until 1998.

After the CTR, Ruf continued their work on various Porsche models, offering conversions and factory-built cars with their own unique chassis numbers.

The 993 Turbo was introduced in 1996 featuring full-time four-wheel drive for the first time on a production 911 Turbo. The 3.6-litre engine was fitted with a pair of KKK K16 turbochargers and Bosch M5.2 engine management. Output was 408bhp at 5750rpm. The performance was explosive with a top speed of 184mph and 0-60 in just 4.5 seconds.

Unsurprisingly this was not enough for Ruf and his team at Pfaffenhausen. Ruf introduced the TurboR upping power to 490hp whilst minimising turbo lag. Factory-built Turbo R cars earned Ruf’s signature integrated roll cage from the CTR2, increasing stiffness and minimising intrusion in the cabin. The exterior gained a Ruf body kit, aero mirrors and removed rain gutters. The suspension was revised and the power was delivered through the standard 6-speed manual transmission and 4wd. The power increase meant the 0-60 dropped by nearly a second(!) to just 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 204 mph. Although numerous cars were converted to TurboR specification, just 7 cars were factory-built.

In 2016 Ruf introduced the Turbo R Limited. A fitting tribute to the original with production limited to just 7 examples, all of which sold immediately. Technological advancements have made thoroughly brought the Limited up to date.

Using the same 3.6litre powerplant the Limited now produces 620hp and 750NM of torque, applied to the road using the now optional 4 wheel drive system. Modern Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes are used and for the first time the option to select the body remade entirely from Carbon Fibre is available.

This Turbo R Limited was completed and supplied new to its first owner in Italy during August 2017. Fantastically optioned in the Porsche 356 ‘Fjord Green’ hue, a colour which changes from blue to green depending on the light.

The interior of this example is trimmed in Terracotta leather with ‘Rust’ Alcantara centres. In keeping with its period colour, the dashboard inserts are completed in wood. This example benefits from the Carbon Fibre body, making this car 130 kg lighter than a 991 GT3. Sporting the Integrated Rollcage, this Limited features a number of other desirable options including a 92litre fuel tank, modern Porsche radio with USB & Bluetooth, climate control and folding electric bucket seats.

Purchased by its current(2nd) keeper in October 2018, this example has covered just 6,000 miles from new. This stunning Ruf presents an immensely rare opportunity to acquire a Turbo R Limited, the second occasion an example has been publicly listed for sale. Completely usable all year round, this example is accompanied by a spare set of wheels and tyres and is available to view at our showrooms just outside London immediately.