RUF Steals Spotlight at Amelia Island Concours: Celebrating the Iconic Porsche Tuner

Iconic RUF Cars Featured at Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance on Mar. 3

One name that should ring a bell for those who were invested in the automotive horsepower competition during the 1980s is RUF. The RUF CTR, which was based on the Porsche 911, also known as the “Yellowbird,” made headlines in 1987 when it shattered the record for the fastest production sports car, clocking in at an impressive 211 miles per hour. In fact, there is even a documentary dedicated to the RUF CTR Yellowbird. On Sunday, March 3rd, at the 29th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, the RUF CTR Yellowbird will be showcased alongside 13 other significant RUF vehicles.

Guests at the Concours d’Elegance on Amelia Island will have the exclusive opportunity to witness a vast collection of RUF’s iconic models throughout its 85-year history. This is a groundbreaking moment as it marks the first-ever RUF-only class to be featured in a concours event.

The initial RUF model was manufactured after the company’s 1981 Manufacturer’s Certification. The BTR originated as a body-in-white 911 and later underwent modifications to include a 374-hp 3.4-liter turbocharged flat-6 engine. This version of the car achieved great success, winning the 1984 Road & Track “World’s Fastest Car” competition with an impressive speed of 186.2 mph.

The remarkable device boasts a 469-horsepower twin-turbo 3.4-liter flat-6 engine, which was the defining factor that set the RUF CTR Yellowbird apart and propelled it to incredible speeds unmatched by any other vehicle of its time. With its appearance on the cover of Road & Track magazine and inclusion in the video game Gran Turismo 2, the Yellowbird has cemented its position as an icon in the world of cars.

The CTR2, which started off as a 993 generation 911 body-in-white, was a remarkable vehicle. Not only did it boast a powerful 520-hp twin-turbo 3.6-liter flat-6 engine, but it also had two groundbreaking features for a road-legal sports car: carbon-ceramic brakes and 19-inch forged magnesium wheels. The CTR2 Clubsport, nicknamed “White Pegasis,” holds the distinction of being the sole lightweight CTR2 model ever produced by RUF. On top of that, there exists a rare orange Turbo R Cabriolet, the only one ever built by RUF, although the company did manufacture 15 Turbo R coupes. This impressive car has a top speed of 204 mph.

The third incarnation of the CTR boasts unparalleled strength, thanks to its 700 horsepower 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine capable of propelling the vehicle to an impressive top speed of 236 miles per hour. Similarly, both the Rt12 and Rt12R variants feature a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-6 engine, but with power outputs ranging from 523 to 552 horsepower for the Rt12 and a staggering 730 horsepower for the Rt12R.

The Turbo Florio is the perfect solution for Porsche enthusiasts who yearn for a targa top to complement the Turbo’s powerful drivetrain. RUF, known for its high-performance modifications, has equipped the Turbo Florio with a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-6 engine, delivering an impressive 645 horsepower. And for those seeking the ultimate air-cooled model from RUF, the Turbo R Limited reigns supreme with an output of 625 horsepower.

In 1993, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to assess the performance of a vehicle in terms of smooth power output and user-friendly drivability. Despite these priorities, the car was able to achieve an impressive 370 horsepower with a turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-6 engine. This unique creation began as a 964 body-in-white and has been customized with a wider carbon-fiber body, expanding 8 centimeters at the front and 10 centimeters at the rear compared to a standard 964 Turbo.

Celebrating its anniversary, the CTR model from RUF broke new ground as it was not built upon a pre-existing Porsche platform. Incorporating a carbon fiber exterior, this sleek car weighs a mere 2,756 pounds. Under the hood lies a formidable twin-turbo flat-6 engine, unleashing an impressive 710 horsepower. Among the 14 vehicles on exhibit, 12 will be up for evaluation while the RCT and Rt12 models will only be available for viewing. Additionally, four of the esteemed RUFs will be put up for bidding.

For over eight decades, RUF has been a prominent presence in the industry. However, it was only in 1975 that the initial RUF-tuned Porsche entered the market. In 1977, RUF introduced its first official model – a modified edition of Porsche’s 930. A year later, the company unveiled another variant – a naturally aspirated version of the popular 911 SCR 3.2.

The firm remains in the hands of the Ruf family, led by Alois Ruf Jr. and Estonia Ruf. Despite Porsche’s announcement that the 911 will be its final gasoline-powered vehicle, leaving open the possibility for RUF to use it as the foundation for their high-performance models, they no longer depend on Porsche to supply them with the base 911 bodies. Instead, RUF has taken matters into its own hands by self-producing bodies and frameworks.