Rétromobile New York marks a new beginning in more ways than one. Just in time for its 50th anniversary, the world's oldest collector car show is being held outside France for the first time, in addition to the established Paris classic. The US market plays an increasingly important role, especially when it comes to auctions. So it comes as little surprise that Gooding Christie's is proud to be the event's official auction partner. The sales will take place on November 20 and 21, 2026, at the Javits Center in New York. To celebrate the first Rétromobile New York sale in style, the auction house is offering a genuine one-off without reserve, one that underlines its leading role in the world of RUF sales.

The RUF "Project Dragon" was built by the performance specialists from Pfaffenhausen as a reinterpretation of the CTR2 Sport. The aim was to preserve the model's character and distinctive look while incorporating contemporary engineering and manufacturing techniques. The starting point was the last unused W09 body-in-white, which RUF had kept in stock since the CTR2 era. The entire project goes back to one of the most important RUF collectors, who had pursued this vision for decades and has now realized it in close collaboration with Alois Ruf and his team. To give it shape, RUF even brought Tony Hatter on board, the designer of the 993-generation Porsche 911.

The client chose a unique shade called "Dragon Fire Orange." Bespoke carbon-fiber bodywork, an integrated RUF roll cage, and center-lock wheels designed and made specifically for this project by OZ Racing add to the car's individual character. Fitting performance comes from a bespoke air-cooled flat-six that produces 621 hp at 6,500 rpm. To put that power safely onto the road, the car features Bilstein PSS10 suspension and carbon-ceramic brakes.

Extensive factory documentation records the enormous effort that went into this orange one-off. Since its delivery in March 2024, "Project Dragon" has covered just 759 miles and presents in virtually new condition. Gooding Christie's estimates it at an impressive $6 million to $8 million. That means "Project Dragon" could break the current record for a RUF, set in March 2025 when a CTR "Yellowbird" sold for $6,055,000, also at Gooding.

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