Vehicle Description
Chassis No. WP0ZZZ99ZTS372295
What began as a repair garage founded in 1939 by Alois Ruf Sr. in
the small town of Pfaffenhausen, Germany would eventually become
one of the world's premier companies for high-performance
automobiles. Alois Ruf Jr. took the reins after his father's
passing in 1974, eventually earning the right in 1981 to be called
an independent manufacturer under German law, rather than simply a
high-end tuner of Porsche cars. He quickly shifted his company's
focus towards his passion of all things Porsche and over the past
four decades these highly sought-after machines have proven
themselves able to out-perform the best supercars in the world.
Indeed, RUF first stunned the worldwide automotive community in
1987 when it's astonishing narrow-body twin-turbocharged CTR
"Yellow Bird" overwhelmed Road and Track magazine's first top-speed
shootout by turning laps of more than 210 mph on Volkswagen's
15.5-mile Ehra-Lessien research oval, almost 10 miles an hour
faster than any other challenger - the Porsche 959 among them.
Alois Ruf wasn't satisfied with winning one high-speed contest.
Entering the 1990s, RUF continued engineering upgrades into the new
964 and 993-generation 911 Turbo by offering his customers a range
of improvements to make their vehicle even more exhilarating to
drive. In addition to upgraded turbochargers, intercoolers, and
fuel injectors, RUF offered customers greater displacement and also
enhanced suspension tuning for improved handling and stability,
larger brakes for increased stopping power, and aerodynamic
enhancements for better downforce and stability to maintain control
at the high speeds his cars were capable of reaching.
Before it was upgraded to RUF THR specification, this particular
car was ordered as a RoW 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo delivered to The
Netherlands in Grand Prix White over a Flamenco Red leather
interior. A highly optioned example from the factory, it appears
that this 911 Turbo could have leapt from the pages of a late-1990s
Porsche Exclusive catalog. Notable options include the 430
horsepower X50 upgrade, rare X79 rear fender air inlets, and a full
leather interior with optional X56 Carbon Instrument Cluster/Panel,
and X57 Carbon Door Panel inserts. These features were carefully
chosen alongside the optional Y75 Aerokit Turbo S style rear
spoiler, which not only looks incredible but also essentially
upgraded this vehicle to a factory Turbo S specification before it
became a separate model in 1997.
Eventually making its way to Japan, this already stunning example
was treated to a RUF "THR" power kit and also many cosmetic
upgrades to enhance the already excellent specification in addition
to upgraded brakes. Offered exclusively for the Japanese market,
this THR upgrade package is unknown to many but is reportedly
identical to their Turbo R package offered around the world. Having
already been originally optioned with the X50 performance upgrade,
RUF tuning parts increased engine power to 490 horsepower enhanced
by an upgraded RUF exhaust system. Cosmetically upgraded with RUF
bumpers and rockers, 19-inch light alloy wheels with yellow painted
RUF specific calipers complete the exterior of this truly stunning
custom build. Inside the cabin, power tilt RUF seats trimmed in
striking Flamenco Red leather with black accent piping are
complemented by a RUF carpet kit, steering wheel, gauges, and
aluminum/carbon door sills, which allow for a comfortable and
sporty driving environment. Providing a specification that is
equally striking and elegant, this upgraded RUF THR Turbo
incorporates many stunning elements from its impressive original
build with carefully selected offerings from RUF for a finished
package showcasing the best cosmetic and performance improvements
of the era.
Displaying 36,177 kilometers at the time it was cataloged, this
highly-unique 911 Turbo RUF is offered in stunning condition with
the recent fitment of new Michelin tires reported by the consignor.
Accompanied by an owner's manual, service history, vehicle tools,
and the all-important RUF build documentation, this desirable
example features the best of both worlds, beginning life as an
impressive, individual build in Zuffenhausen before being further
enhanced to RUF THR Turbo specification.
Addendum & Administrative Notes
Due to California emissions laws, please note that this vehicle may
only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside of
California or to a licensed automotive dealer.
