Vehicle Description
Chassis No. W09CB138XBPR06136
Engine No. SB02135
Transmission No. 2005545
RUF Automobile GmbH has consistently stayed ahead of the curve,
driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a passion for
pushing boundaries. Porsche can be likened to a serious older
brother, allowing a small amount of room for the fun-loving,
younger sibling to go in a slightly different direction. The CTR
Yellow Bird is, of course, iconic, but more recently RUF has beaten
Porsche to the punch on many concepts that we take for granted
today. The RGT, developed specifically for the U.S. market, arrived
before enthusiasts had access to the 996-generation 911
GT3-complete with heritage colors that now define today's
sought-after Paint to Sample palette. In 2011, the RGT8 concept
debuted with a houndstooth interior, preempting the fabric's
mainstream return by over two years. That same year, RUF reimagined
the original 1967 911 Targa as the Rt Roadster-a fresh, modern take
that once again showcased the brand's talent for reinterpreting
icons ahead of the curve.
The genesis of the Rt Roadster came about from the desire to do
something different-yet the concept was thoroughly rooted in the
past. Speaking with Motor Trend in 2018, Alois Ruf noted his
fondness for the earliest version of Porsche's Targa concept that
featured a zippered soft folding plastic rear window. "I am always
looking from the emotional side of things, especially with the soft
rear window Targa." While the soft-window variant lasted into 1969
as a special order option, the body type survived nearly unmodified
until 1994 with a fixed glass rear window. While long lived, it
would be nearly 20 years before Zuffenhausen revived the concept,
yet as usual, RUF was ahead of the game. Of course, Ruf was also
quick to note that "You hear the engine from the inside in a
beautiful way." It makes sense that Ruf would describe the engine
in such a manner. The Rt Roadster, based on the incredible Rt 12 S,
features a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six RUF-built engine
that produced an astonishing 600 horsepower-outpacing the 911 Turbo
S of the time-and benefits from characteristic RUF rear quarter
panel openings that feed fresh air to the intercoolers. This
prodigious power output is fed through a near-seamless seven-speed
double clutch transmission and, like the Rt 12 S, the Rt Roadster
features confidence inspiring all-wheel drive.
On debut, the Rt Roadster received a rapturous reception, yet no
matter how large the demand for the model was, it was a true
coach-build-a one-off for a special customer. Naturally, with such
access to the heart of RUF, all manner of options were available
during the specification process. The RUF Zertifikat issued in June
2024 describes the build in detail. The exterior is finished in the
supremely photogenic (and wonderfully named) shade of Chroma Flash
Hologram Matt, a color that shifts from silver to warmer undertones
of gold and blue across the Roadster's curved bodywork. A Dark Grey
rollbar in matt finish provides an exceptional contrast to the body
color and color-matched two-piece hard top, as do the matching
19-inch forged aluminum center lock wheels. These special
five-spoke RUF wheels frame large carbon brake discs clamped by
yellow RUF-branded four-piston brake calipers. The entire Rt
platform is underpinned by a special RUF-tuned suspension at all
four corners.
The interior specification is dominated by Red leather upholstery
with Silver stitching and a carbon fiber interior package that
applies the lightweight material to the gear shift knob, steering
wheel, handbrake lever, and foldable sport bucket seats. Additional
contrast is provided by the Stone Grey carpeting, Silver seat
belts, and an interior package that brings the Chroma Flash
Hologram Matt exterior paint onto the door opener covers, arm rest
lids, door handles, and front center console cover. Creature
comforts include touch screen navigation and a BOSE Surround Sound
System. Quite the specification!
Originally delivered to the United States, the clean CARFAX Vehicle
History Report shows a low 5,398 miles on the car during a 2014
service at Porsche Livermore. Most recently it received a fluid
flush, fresh tires, new front blinkers, and a respray of the front
bumper cover all from RUF North America. At the time of consignment
this RUF, the only Rt Roadster ever produced, features only 6,907
miles and is offered with its owner's manuals, recent service
records, and its RUF Zertifikat issued in June 2024 that confirms
this true one-of-one retains its original engine and
transmission.
RUF Automobile GmbH is a truly unique company, and this 2011 RUF Rt
Roadster is arguably one of the finest expressions of its core
principles. The company from Pfaffenhausen is known for producing
machines that often push well beyond conventional limits-too
extreme for most, but perfect for those rare few who aren't
satisfied with off-the-shelf performance. Alois Ruf was one of
those individuals, driven by a desire to create his own cars. RUF's
clients, known for their adventurous spirit, are treated like
family and often share the same forward-thinking
mindset-trailblazers in their own right, just like the remarkable
and singular Rt Roadster you see here.
