Chassis No. W09CB138XBPR06136

Engine No. SB02135

Transmission No. 2005545

RUF Automobile GmbH has consistently stayed ahead of the curve, driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a passion for pushing boundaries. Porsche can be likened to a serious older brother, allowing a small amount of room for the fun-loving, younger sibling to go in a slightly different direction. The CTR Yellow Bird is, of course, iconic, but more recently RUF has beaten Porsche to the punch on many concepts that we take for granted today. The RGT, developed specifically for the U.S. market, arrived before enthusiasts had access to the 996-generation 911 GT3-complete with heritage colors that now define today's sought-after Paint to Sample palette. In 2011, the RGT8 concept debuted with a houndstooth interior, preempting the fabric's mainstream return by over two years. That same year, RUF reimagined the original 1967 911 Targa as the Rt Roadster-a fresh, modern take that once again showcased the brand's talent for reinterpreting icons ahead of the curve.

The genesis of the Rt Roadster came about from the desire to do something different-yet the concept was thoroughly rooted in the past. Speaking with Motor Trend in 2018, Alois Ruf noted his fondness for the earliest version of Porsche's Targa concept that featured a zippered soft folding plastic rear window. "I am always looking from the emotional side of things, especially with the soft rear window Targa." While the soft-window variant lasted into 1969 as a special order option, the body type survived nearly unmodified until 1994 with a fixed glass rear window. While long lived, it would be nearly 20 years before Zuffenhausen revived the concept, yet as usual, RUF was ahead of the game. Of course, Ruf was also quick to note that "You hear the engine from the inside in a beautiful way." It makes sense that Ruf would describe the engine in such a manner. The Rt Roadster, based on the incredible Rt 12 S, features a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six RUF-built engine that produced an astonishing 600 horsepower-outpacing the 911 Turbo S of the time-and benefits from characteristic RUF rear quarter panel openings that feed fresh air to the intercoolers. This prodigious power output is fed through a near-seamless seven-speed double clutch transmission and, like the Rt 12 S, the Rt Roadster features confidence inspiring all-wheel drive.

On debut, the Rt Roadster received a rapturous reception, yet no matter how large the demand for the model was, it was a true coach-build-a one-off for a special customer. Naturally, with such access to the heart of RUF, all manner of options were available during the specification process. The RUF Zertifikat issued in June 2024 describes the build in detail. The exterior is finished in the supremely photogenic (and wonderfully named) shade of Chroma Flash Hologram Matt, a color that shifts from silver to warmer undertones of gold and blue across the Roadster's curved bodywork. A Dark Grey rollbar in matt finish provides an exceptional contrast to the body color and color-matched two-piece hard top, as do the matching 19-inch forged aluminum center lock wheels. These special five-spoke RUF wheels frame large carbon brake discs clamped by yellow RUF-branded four-piston brake calipers. The entire Rt platform is underpinned by a special RUF-tuned suspension at all four corners.

The interior specification is dominated by Red leather upholstery with Silver stitching and a carbon fiber interior package that applies the lightweight material to the gear shift knob, steering wheel, handbrake lever, and foldable sport bucket seats. Additional contrast is provided by the Stone Grey carpeting, Silver seat belts, and an interior package that brings the Chroma Flash Hologram Matt exterior paint onto the door opener covers, arm rest lids, door handles, and front center console cover. Creature comforts include touch screen navigation and a BOSE Surround Sound System. Quite the specification!

Originally delivered to the United States, the clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report shows a low 5,398 miles on the car during a 2014 service at Porsche Livermore. Most recently it received a fluid flush, fresh tires, new front blinkers, and a respray of the front bumper cover all from RUF North America. At the time of consignment this RUF, the only Rt Roadster ever produced, features only 6,907 miles and is offered with its owner's manuals, recent service records, and its RUF Zertifikat issued in June 2024 that confirms this true one-of-one retains its original engine and transmission.

RUF Automobile GmbH is a truly unique company, and this 2011 RUF Rt Roadster is arguably one of the finest expressions of its core principles. The company from Pfaffenhausen is known for producing machines that often push well beyond conventional limits-too extreme for most, but perfect for those rare few who aren't satisfied with off-the-shelf performance. Alois Ruf was one of those individuals, driven by a desire to create his own cars. RUF's clients, known for their adventurous spirit, are treated like family and often share the same forward-thinking mindset-trailblazers in their own right, just like the remarkable and singular Rt Roadster you see here.