- Finished in Candy Apple Red Metallic over ivory leather
- Just 4,007 km (2,489 mi.) indicated at time of cataloguing
- Frighteningly quick, with a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter engine
rated at 650 hp
- Delivered new to a prominent business executive in South
Korea
In November 2004, RUF debuted its first house-built automobile, the
Rt12. At first glance, its Porsche roots were obvious, and it
utilized Porsche?s then-new 997-generation chassis. Look closer,
however, and you will discover that the Rt12 is an entirely
different beast.
The Rt12, built on the wider body shell of the 997-generation
Carrera, represents no less than the sensational top of the small
but noble RUF product pyramid. The first distinction is the Rt12?s
powerplant, a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six based on an
earlier M96 blueprint. It is mated to a RUF-built transaxle and
limited-slip rear differential, routing power rearward through
massive 12.5-inch-wide tires. A proprietary and fully adjustable
RUF hydraulic suspension system (with front axle lift function)
underpins the car?s chassis, while braking is handled by a set of
eight-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) calipers tucked inside
a staggered set of three-piece OZ Superleggera wheels. To further
maximize weight savings, the model?s bumpers, hood, and rear
decklid are all made of carbon fiber.
An integrated roll cage is cleverly hidden behind the sumptuously
appointed interior trim, and the cabin is further appointed with
all the amenities one would expect from a roadgoing Porsche of the
most refined variety. When equipped with the optional tall gearing
package, the Rt12 could reportedly reach a top speed in excess of
224 miles per hour.
Each example of the Rt12 was thoroughly personalized to the
specifications of the buyer, and it is believed that fewer than 15
examples were completed by RUF in total during the model?s
five-year availability.
The Rt12 offered here was finished at RUF?s Pfaffenhausen, Germany
factory in the spring of 2009 and reportedly delivered to a very
prominent business leader and car collector in South Korea. In his
older years, the South Korean business tycoon had a well-known
penchant for being driven around in two-seat sports cars, as
opposed to an executive class saloon or limousine. This particular
car?s five-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission provides an
interesting clue towards this passenger theory. It was specified in
a striking color combination of Candy Apple Red Metallic over ivory
leather with additional carbon fiber accents, red brake calipers,
and standard seats. As just one of the tycoon?s many exotic cars,
this Rt12 remained sparingly used during his decade of
ownership.
As such, since having been acquired by another individual and
exported from South Korea in December 2020, this Rt12 displayed
just 4,007 kilometers (2,489 miles) since new at the time of
cataloguing.
The opportunity to acquire a RUF Rt12 is unlikely to repeat itself
with any regularity. Very few examples were produced, and
well-sorted ones rarely come up for sale on account of their
splendid drivability. With its striking appearance and
exceptionally low mileage, this particular example is one not to be
missed. It would be an awesome accompaniment to any serious
collection of modern Porsches or European sports cars.
