PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Chile (acquired new in 2009)
Private Collection, Germany (acquired in 2016)
Current Owner

FEATURED MEDIA
RUF – The Limited One, by Waft Publishing

In 1987, RUF Automobile GmbH introduced the world to the CTR, which stood for Group C, Turbo RUF. This groundbreaking model, now commonly known by its nickname “Yellowbird,” was a brilliant demonstration of RUF’s ability to transform the already superb Porsche 911 into a world-class supercar.

Soon after Porsche launched the 993 series in 1994, RUF introduced the second generation of its top-of-the-line model – the CTR2. Like its predecessor, the CTR2 was powered by a turbocharged air-cooled flat-six, but featured an all-new RUF manufactured coil-over suspension system and more extreme bodywork, including an integrated bifunctional rear wing, Kevlar panels, and lightweight glass. The result was one of the fastest automobiles of the 1990s, with its 217 mph top speed eclipsed only by the Nissan R390 GT1 and the McLaren F1.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the CTR, RUF unveiled the radical CTR3 in April 2007. While this new model certainly maintained the company’s well-established tradition of building Porsche-based supercars, the CTR3’s exotic RUF-designed chassis and bodywork represented a bold new direction for the Pfaffenhausen firm.

At the foundation of the CTR3 is an innovative chassis, which is based on the contemporary Porsche 997 Turbo and 987 Cayman. Working in collaboration with Canadian engineering firm Multimatic, RUF developed an entirely new rear-chassis section for this third-generation model, utilizing a tubular space frame with advanced pushrod-operated coil-over suspension. Not only did this arrangement allow for a mid-engine layout, it greatly reduced unsprung weight and gave designers Freeman Thomas and Richard Söderberg a free hand with regards to the CTR3’s styling.

Crafted from the latest Kevlar-reinforced carbon composite materials, the CTR3’s bodywork took its inspiration from historic mid-engine Porsche competition models, including the streamlined 550A Coupes of the 1950s and the 911 GT1s of the 1990s. In the end, only the aluminum doors and trunk lid were shared with the 997-generation 911, and the CTR3 made use of both passive and active aerodynamics to generate considerable downforce at high speeds.

At the heart of the CTR3 is a RUF-engineered 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged four-cam flat-six with air-to-air intercoolers, which produces 700 bhp and 890 nm of torque in standard tune. All this power is delivered to the rear wheels through a sequential-shift six-speed manual transaxle of RUF’s own design. Weighing just over 3,000 pounds, and with a power-to-weight ratio far exceeding Porsche’s own Carrera GT supercar, the CTR3 is capable of accelerating from rest to 60 mph in a shade over three seconds, with a claimed top speed in excess of 230 mph. With such mind-bending performance, RUF wisely offered an integrated roll cage and cross-drilled carbon ceramic disc brakes as standard equipment.

In all, RUF built just 30 examples of the CTR3, including 10 track-focused Clubsport models, which featured a massive fixed-rear wing, tuned 777 hp engine, and optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

This CTR3, chassis 006, was built in 2009 for a VIP customer in Chile who requested that his car be equipped with a 754 hp version of the standard 3.8-liter engine. It is one of only two examples originally delivered in the classic Porsche color of Guards Red, and this CTR3 features unique Gunmetal painted central locking wheels, 19" at the front and 20" at the rear. The cockpit, trimmed in black leather and anthracite Alcantara, features contrasting red stitching, a sport steering wheel, air-conditioning, power windows, and an Alpine screen that serves as a rearview mirror, as well as satellite/navigation and audio control functions.

Retained by its original Chilean owner until 2016, the CTR3 then joined a private collection in Germany, where it remained for two years. The current owner, an American collector with a passion for the finest Porsche and RUF sports cars, acquired the CTR3 from a Belgian specialist who had sent the car to the RUF factory for a full service, including the fitting of new tires.

Since its arrival in the US, the CTR3 has been driven sparingly and was recently detailed to show-quality standards. It now shows approximately 4,600 miles and is offered with its books and tools, as well as a factory-issued dyno sheet, German registration papers, and RUF Zertifikat confirming its unique original production details.

Extremely rare and exotic, particularly in the US, the CTR3 is one of the most fascinating, technically advanced, and memorably styled supercars built in the last two decades. For the collector in search of a significant RUF, this one-of-a-kind example represents an extraordinary opportunity.