PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Dallas, Texas (acquired new in 2007)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)

Pfaffenhausen, a small village west of Munich, is home to RUF Automobile GmbH, one of the most unique sports car manufacturers in the world. The company’s founder, Alois Ruf, developed a fascination with Porsche cars in the early 1960s; in the decades since, RUF has established a singular relationship with the marque. Beginning with sales and service of Porsches, the company has evolved into a boutique manufacturer of exotic, finely engineered supercars. While RUFs share many desirable qualities with their Porsche relatives, they possess an inimitable character and style.

RUF’s history as a manufacturer can be traced back to 1974, when Alois Ruf Jr. took over the company. In 1981, the German Federal Bureau of Motor Vehicles certified RUF Automobile GmbH as an independent manufacturer and, since then, the company has continued to build extraordinary cars for discerning enthusiasts.

With the release of Porsche’s new 997-generation 911 platform in 2004, RUF introduced the RT12. It featured a twin-turbocharged, 3.6-liter flat six-cylinder engine based on the previous 996 Turbo and was capable of 560 hp in “standard” trim, while a 3.8-liter option produced 650 hp or more. The RT12 featured specially developed RUF bodywork designed to increase downforce and improve stability at high speeds. Large cross-drilled brakes and a suspension system developed together with Öhlins are among the many upgrades over the standard 997 Turbo. The RT12 was capable of startling performance, with a claimed top speed of 220 mph and a 0–60 time of 3.2 seconds.

The consignor acquired this example from the original owner in Dallas, a successful restaurateur, who specified the larger 3.8-liter 650 hp engine, six-speed gearbox, RUF Superleggera (Super light) alloy wheels, integrated roll cage, exposed carbon fiber exterior pieces, short-shift kit, and heated sport seats, among other options. The car was finished in the stunning colors of Carrara White over BMW M Sport Red leather, and the consignor believes it was the only example built in that color combination. The original sticker price was approximately $355,000.

Offered from a discerning Porsche and RUF collector, the car remains in stunning condition and received a fresh service in December 2019. The RT12 is accompanied at auction by both keys, books, order correspondence, service records, registrations, magazine articles, and RUF Zertifikat, and factory brochure. The combination of 650 hp with its all-wheel drive and heated sport seats makes this RT12 an exhilarating yet highly usable all-weather supercar, in the spirit of Porsche’s own 959. Its unique color scheme, low mileage, and carefully selected options further distinguish it and make it an exceptional choice for the modern supercar enthusiast.