For Sale: 1990 Ruf BTR in Scotts Valley, California

1990 RUF BTR III
VIN: W09TA434XLPR06013

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<font size = "4">1 registered owner!
Research from experts indicate less than 10 Slantnose examples built
The most advanced and powerful Ruf BTR - Version III
Extremely rare RUF VIN BTR - approx. 25 total made worldwide
<font size = "4">12,749 original miles - Documented maintenance history since new
Stunning Grand Prix White and black leather interior combination
3.4L turbocharged RUF flat six engine - 408hp
Porsche 962-based Bosch Motronic engine management
RUF 6-speed manual transmission
Includes Ruf Certificate of Origin, tools, spare wheel/tire, and safety kit

With the arrival of RUF's newest design, the BTR, RUF began gaining critical acclaim and a worldwide reputation as a highly regarded Porsche tuning house. Starting with humble beginnings as a small repair shop in Pfaffenhausen, Germany, Ruf Automobile GmbH transformed over the years into a manufacturing and tuning firm, creating excellent modified Porsches and eventually their own vehicles from the ground up. The BTR started at and was inspired by the FIA's Group B regulations, employing the 930 Turbo body and 935-sourced engine internals as a starting point, yielding a 375 horsepower and 190-mph sports car, tested against the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and even the cars that RUF based theirs on, Porsche.

While RUF did provide BTR upgrades to individuals with their own Porsche vehicles already, RUF had a special relationship with the Porsche factory that allowed them to do things a bit differently than many other companies. RUF was able to purchase "bodies in white" directly from Porsche, without a Porsche VIN. This allowed RUF to inscribe their own chassis number, starting in "W09" and build their cars from the ground up. While the exact number of BTR examples produced is not known, it is estimated that there are less than 25 examples of BTR vehicles built on bespoke RUF chassis, during their entire production run from 1984 until 1993. This includes early iterations of the BTR, to the most advanced and powerful examples like this car, the BTR IIIs, making them exceptionally rare. Research from experts indicate that less than 10 Slantnose examples were built on a RUF W09 chassis.

This 1990 RUF BTR III "Slantnose" was sold to the Canada RUF dealer in March of 1990 according to the car's certificate of origin. In addition to the rare body configuration that was often reserved for Porsche's own Sonderwunsch (special wishes) department, which included the Porsche 935-esque Slantnose and Turbo S rear air ducts, the car was spec'd in the stunning Grand Prix white, matching white RUF wheels by Speedline, and a black leather interior.

The BTR III's piece de resistance of course is its 3.4L flat six, air-cooled engine developed by RUF producing 408 horsepower. A single K27 turbocharger builds boost, with power control being carried out by a Bosch DME Motronic engine derived from Porsche's own legendary endurance racer, the Porsche 962. Press outlets in period noted that BTR III builds in this specification were capable of excess of 205 miles per hour. An exceptional engine requires an exceptional transmission, and RUF's own 6-speed manual transmission developed in-house provides plenty of gearing for maximum speeds. This BTR III also included the fitment of air conditioning, Recaro CSE seats, an Alpine sound system, power windows, 17-inch Speedline alloy wheels, sport mirrors, and a leather wrapped sports steering wheel along with bespoke instrumentation including a boost gauge.

In September of 1993 the RUF BTR III was purchased from J.S. Automobiles and went to its first and only registered caretaker with 2,984 miles. This caretaker would keep the car in their possession for over 20 years, with documented maintenance since new ensuring the car was taken care of and was in optimal condition. Amassing just barely under 10,000 miles over 20 years, the RUF BTR III was maintained and remained in exceptional original condition.

Upon arriving at Canepa, the 1990 RUF BTR III was thoroughly inspected as part of the "Canepa Difference" process, ensuring that all mechanical systems are sound and that all cosmetic surfaces are addressed and detailed to the highest level. The care provided by the 1st caretaker was easily shown by the condition of the RUF BTR III, from the all original black leather interior to the fantastic Grand Prix white paint, and how the fit and finish doesn't describe a 35 year old car but a much younger one. Regardless, the car was placed into Canepa's system and the work began. The RUF's underside was completely cleaned by hand to a concours level, from top to bottom, ensuring that all surfaces were as clean as when the car was delivered, revealing the factory finishes were in like-new condition. After being lowered back onto the ground, a multi-step foam pad polishing was performed by Canepa's automotive artisans to carefully enhance the RUF's Grand Prix White paint finish. The all original interior was given the same attention to detail, and over the course of several weeks the car was ready to be entered into any concours event.

RUF's worldwide reputation for performance tuning and manufacturing vehicles with Porsche roots, this 1990 RUF BTR III is an exceptional example that has been well-cared for and is in exceptional condition. With the rare "Slantnose" specification and Turbo S rear air ducts, this 408HP sledgehammer of a RUF offers a distinctive point of RUF's journey towards tuning perfection. With only 12,749 miles since new, documented maintenance throughout its life, and only 1 registered caretaker, this RUF BTR III is a rare opportunity for someone to enjoy the full RUF experience, straight out of the late 1980s.