To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Open Roads, Fall event, 11
- 20 November 2020.
Estimate:
$800,000 - $1,000,000
- One of an estimated 31 examples produced since 2008
- Chroma Flash Hologram Matte over Sportrot leather
- One of three examples reportedly provided in this color
- 682 hp, twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six engine
- Offered with fewer than 1,700 miles since new
Alois Ruf may have cut his teeth as Germany's preeminent Porsche
customizer, but the CTR3 is something altogether different. At
first glance its Porsche roots are obvious: there are the twin
ovoid headlights and the curvy haunches. Yet the CTR3 is more
Porsche-inspired than Porsche-based.
Instead of the Porsche underpinnings that governed the design of
every RUF car prior, the CTR3's platform was developed in
conjunction with Canadian supplier Multimatic, the same company
responsible for production of Ford's new, Le Mans class-winning GT.
Its footprint is about that of a 911, but the CTR3's wheelbase is
nearly 11 inches longer and five inches wider to accommodate a
rear-mid-mounted engine and take advantage of that layout's superb
handling characteristics. Visually, the CTR3's silhouette draws
closer to the Carrera GT and 918 Spyder-albeit with a solid
top-than it does the 911.
The 3.8-litre flat-six squeezed between the axles is, of course, a
Porsche-derived unit, but in the CTR3 it is upgraded with a pair of
KKK turbochargers that boost peak horsepower to 682. A six-speed
sequential manual transaxle governed by RUF programming sends power
to the rear wheels, while stopping power is provided by a set of
380-millimeter carbon ceramic disc brakes; aluminum brake calipers
are emblazoned with the "CTR3" wordmark.
Given its excellent rear-mid-engine balance and relatively light
3,000-pound curb weight, the CTR3's road manners are more akin to a
supercar than a sports car. Its acceleration is ferocious, matched
by excellent handling tenacity thanks to Porsche 911 Type
997-sourced MacPherson struts up front, and a RUF-engineered
multi-link rear suspension. Inside, the CTR3 blends Porsche
switchgear and design with RUF's unique touches. Special
leather-wrapped carbon fiber seats and a three-spoke steering wheel
split the difference between comfort and performance.
This CTR3 offered here is one an estimated 31 CTR3 examples
completed thus far by RUF since 2008; it is, unsurprisingly, a
personalized and hand-built creation. The attractive color
combination of Chroma Flash Hologram Matte paintwork over Sportrot
leather is further complimented by a suite of additional
specifications which distinguish it as a particularly bespoke
product.
This CTR3 was ordered in May of 2007 by a prominent Southern
California collector and specially outfitted with Stone Grey
carpets, Grey Alcantara trim, a hydraulically-adjustable front
axle, TPMS interface, extended navigation module, telephone module,
and six-disc CD changer. Interestingly, the door card mounted to
the chassis indicates that this CTR3 did not reach the United
States-and thus the stable of its first owner---until after May
2010, well after its original scheduled delivery of April 2008.
Historic imagery indicates that, at some point after 2013 and while
under previous ownership, the six-point racing harnesses originally
fitted to this chassis were replaced by standard-specification
seatbelts.
Sparingly driven over the past decade, each of this CTR3's previous
owners have added very few miles to its odometer; it has covered
under 1,700 miles since delivery. This uniquely specified CTR3 is a
particularly rare offering and presents an excellent opportunity to
experience the RUF legend firsthand. To view this car and others
currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0620.