1995 Ruf BTR2 Convertible
Registration no. N499 FYD
Chassis no. W09TB2364SPR06007
Engine no. CRN36006

From tuner and modifier of Porsches, Alois Ruf graduated into automobile manufacturer, being awarded that status in 1981 by the German Automobile Manufacturers Association. The first group of Ruf-designated cars - numbered BTR1, BTR2 and BTR3 - was constructed in 1982. Ruf's favoured Porsche 911 was the basis for the trio, an example of the second, the BTR2, being offered for sale here. Introduced in 1993, the BTR2 was based on the new Type 993 version of Porsche's perennially popular 911 sports car. Its air-cooled flat-six engine displaced 3.6 litres and was fed by a single turbocharger; remarkably, its arrival preceded that of Porsche's own Type 993 Turbo by some two years. The BRT2's engine was extensively re-engineered to cope with forced induction, and in its upgraded form produced a maximum of 414bhp and 435lb/ft of torque. Power was transmitted the rear wheels only via a Ruf six-speed manual gearbox, and there were commensurate upgrades made to the suspension and brakes. Other notable features included Ruf 18" five-spoke alloy wheels, special bucket seats, restyled bumpers and a 'whale tail' rear wing. Tested by the esteemed American motoring journal Car & Driver, a BTR2 accelerated from 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in 3.7 seconds, while the factory claimed a top speed of 191 mph (308km/h). Quick even by today's standards, the BTR2 was one of the fastest production road cars of its time.

This rare and highly desirable Ruf BTR2 Convertible was originally delivered to Singapore and is believed one of a pair (the other being a Coupé) purchased by the same client. The car then went to New Zealand and was registered in that country on 29th February 2000. A copy of a New Zealand Certificate of Particulars on file lists the owner as Ron Starke of Oratio, Auckland, who acquired the car in December 2012. There are various invoices on file dating from Mr Starke's ownership. The current owners (a group of friends) acquired the Ruf from a New Zealand dealer. The car was first registered in the UK on 1st November 2016. Accompanying documentation consists of the original Porsche Guarantee and Maintenance booklet; Classic & Sports Cars' invoice for a service in May 2019; V5C Registration Certificate; and MoT expiring on 31st October 2022.