2002 RUF RTurbo

Please note that this lot is subject to VAT on the full purchase price (both on the hammer price and commission)’.

The ex-RUF factory press car - as featured in the famous Nurburgring press video and on the front cover of Marc Bonger's famous book, 'Porsche and Ruf Sportscars' Left-hand drive with a very impressive specification including four-wheel drive, 550 bhp, and 6-speed manual Rebuilt by RUF in 2006 and speedo head zeroed. Sold to a private customer in Norway Coming from a significant private collection with a recent service by Porsche Centre Son in Norway, July '16 Currently showing 48,000km (post-rebuild). Ballistic performance and special provenance - very special Founded in 1939 in Pfaffenhausen, Bavaria, 'RUF Automobile GmbH' is a name now synonymous with Porsche, having produced some of the quickest, most exclusive and certainly the most exciting cars of the last 45 years. By 1977, RUF had gained further recognition for adding power to the then-new 930 Turbo, establishing themselves as turbocharging maestros, and producing their own 3.3-litre factory-beating version. Since Porsche only produced Turbos with a four-speed gearbox, by 1981 RUF was offering its version with their own five-speed gearbox fitted - perfectly illustrating RUF's self-confidence and belief in their own technical abilities. Founded in 1939 in Pfaffenhausen, Bavaria, 'RUF Automobile GmbH' is a name now synonymous with Porsche, having produced some of the quickest, most exclusive and certainly the most exciting cars of the last 45 years. By 1977, RUF had gained further recognition for adding power to the then-new 930 Turbo, establishing themselves as turbocharging maestros, and producing their own 3.3-litre factory-beating version. Since Porsche only produced Turbos with a four-speed gearbox, by 1981 RUF was offering its version with their own five-speed gearbox fitted - perfectly illustrating RUF's self-confidence and belief in their own technical abilities. With the arrival of Porsche's 996 Turbo in showrooms in late 1999, RUF commenced designing their own particular version of Germany's latest Supercar. Their new 'RTurbo' was to be based on the 996 Turbo's drivetrain with customers able to order their RTurbo with either all-wheel drive, or for an added cost, rear-drive only. The drivetrain consisted of a Porsche GT2 transaxle, a stronger upgraded clutch, a limited slip differential and 4-wheel drive. The sports suspension included specially tuned Bilstein gas-pressure shock absorbers, stiffer springs and, in place of the standard Turbo brake system, customers could choose extremely durable ceramic brakes as an added-cost option. Wheel choices were 18″ RUF modular wheels or 19″ RUF aluminium alloys. Inside the instrument panel housed special RUF instruments with green markings, a special sports steering wheel, and lightweight shell seats. Buyers could also choose between the traditional RUF narrow Carrera body or the more dramatic turbo wide-body and subsequently, the RTurbo was available in both coupe and cabriolet form. The body was fitted with a modified nose with additional vent slots at the top and RUF air dam below, aerodynamically optimized RUF outside mirrors, and a modified, electrically adjustable rear spoiler. Side air-inlets for the intercoolers were inset above the wheel arches, putting them closer to the intercoolers. Output of the water-cooled 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged engine was initially raised to a reliable 520hp by adopting redesigned KKK turbochargers, a modified engine control module, GT3 engine mounts, upgraded valve train, a modified VarioCam system and a bespoke RUF exhaust system with a bypass valve. To safely extract the maximum torque of 546lbft, vehicles with a six-speed manual transmission were equipped with a reinforced clutch, however, a five-speed Tiptronic S was available as an option. The RTurbo could accelerate to 62mph in a scant 3.7 seconds and, depending on gearing, reach a top speed between 205 and 214mph. RUF soon launched the next performance level of the RTurbo with output increased to 550hp (eventually 590bhp) and an incredible 575lbft of torque edging the top speed up to 218mph. Our vendor confirms that this, very special, left hand drive RUF R Turbo was indeed the RUF factory press car used in the early 2000s, is the actual car that was used in the famous promotional film around the Nurburgring, and has also featured on the front cover of the famous book 'Porsche and RUF Sportscars', written by Marc Bongers. A two-page document in the accompanying history file from RUF themselves, also confirms that 'W09BD03683PR06037' is optioned with the 550 BHP (RT36003) engine, is four-wheel drive, and is finished in yellow (POR139) with a black leather interior. The list of options is too long to include here but is available in the auction hall or, prior to the sale, by calling the office. In 2006, the car was rebuilt by RUF and the odometer zeroed before being sold privately in Norway. Now showing just over 48,000 km (post-rebuild), this very special car has formed part of our private vendor's significant collection these past few years but the time has now come for the next owner to experience the serious thrills on offer. Accompanying the car is the aforementioned history file, which contains details of the cars busy life, Luxemburg registration documents, and the normal books and wallets. The service book shows five stamps, with the latest service carried out by Porsche Centre Son, in Norway, in July 2016 when the mileage was showing 46,893 km. 'RUF Automobile GmbH' is a name now entwined with Porsche and some of their most serious motor cars. Mention the name in the company of knowledgeable Porsche people and you can expect a respectful hush followed by enthusiastic recollections of “That bloody quick yellow car around the Nurburgring”. Well, that “Bloody quick yellow car” is now here and available for your consideration. There are various RUFs on offer in the marketplace in 2018 but very few can claim this level of provenance combined with the staggering performance and subtle looks of the RTurbo. Silverstone Auctions are privileged to offer this motor car to the open market and any interested parties are encouraged to contact the team for more information. 'Please note that this lot is subject to VAT on the full purchase price (both on the hammer price and commission)'.