For Sale at Auction: 1987 Ruf BTR in Amelia Island, Florida

Chassis No. W09TA0347HPR06002
Engine No. BTR34USH001
Transmission No. RUF 930-5/2 076

The story of RUF Automobile is well known, but it certainly bears repeating! Beginning with servicing and modifying Porsche automobiles, the company began creating their own high-performance models in the late 1970s. In 1982 RUF received formal recognition as an independent vehicle manufacturer from the West German government and their own VIN series beginning with W09.

The Gruppe B Turbo RUF (BTR) was the first model to leave RUF's Pfaffenhausen facility with a W09 VIN-the three important characters that, to this day, distinguish RUFs as their own boutique high-performance vehicles. The BTR featured a 3.4-liter turbocharged flat-six, producing 374 horsepower (versus the 911 Turbo's 300) thanks to a more efficient K27 turbocharger, larger 98 mm Mahle pistons, RUF intercooler kit, RUF four-pipe exhaust system, and a Porsche 935-style boost control knob between the seats that allowed on-the-fly boost pressure adjustments. This prodigious power ran through a RUF-designed five-speed manual "short-shift" transmission that featured a standard 40-percent lock limited slip differential, heavy-duty clutch, a lower first gear for quick acceleration, and close ratios that allowed the engine, in RUF's words, to remain "ON THE BOOST," pure catnip for potential drivers reading their marketing materials.

RUF updated the rest of the BTR's performance components to match its power increase, lowering the ride height, adding Bilstein-sport shocks, enlarging the brake discs while keeping the Turbo's 917-derived brake calipers-contained within its special, and now iconic, 17-inch Speedline Denloc wheels. With the BTR's top speed surpassing the 300 km/h and capturing Road & Track's World's Fastest Car award, Porsche's high-speed aerodynamic research from the race department's 935 became essential. Select BTRs were built with the 935-inspired Slantnose front end with pop-up headlights, an option that RUF coupled with rocker panel side skirts, and louvered front and rear fenders. It is believed that RUF built fewer than 30 original BTRs with the coveted W09 chassis number, less than a third of which were equipped with the Slantnose front end.

This genuine W09 RUF BTR is finished in the classic combination of Guards Red over a Black leather interior. It was initially imported to the U.S. in March 1987 and was consigned to the EPA, which shipped it to their headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan to undergo emissions certification on behalf of the RUF Automobile. After its time achieving "blanket certification" from the EPA in July 1987, copies of its original Bill of Sale record that it was sold new on 6 February 1988 to its first owner, Frederick Sontag of Roscoe, Illinois. In fact, Sontag had been corresponding with Alois Ruf from October of the previous year and, due to his fastidious nature, the history file is full of important records that include its Certificate of Origin, RUF Limited Warranty paperwork, model specification sheets, registration correspondence with the State of Illinois, and, perhaps most fascinating, scans of the EPA Certificate of Conformity for the car dated July 1987.

Its clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report shows that this example was then registered in Oklahoma in June 2003. The Louisiana-based consignor purchased this RUF in June 2011 from RUF Auto Centre in Dallas, Texas and immediately began a restoration of the BTR's mechanicals and interior to near-factory correct specifications. This comprehensive restoration was begun by Eagle Racing in Dripping Springs, Texas and included a transmission refurbishment, a complete brake overhaul, Retro Air R134 A/C update, and more. In 2019, the motor went through a rebuild by Protomotive including new pistons, cylinders, and Carrillo connecting rods. The owner also sourced and installed a correct type RUF BTR turbocharger and RUF four-pipe exhaust.

Interior preservation was prioritized: the Blaupunkt Monterey SQR 23 radio, RUF-branded carpets, and restored Recaro seats remain. The "Ladedruck" turbo boost controller has been intentionally disconnected; wisely keeping in check the level of thrust best reserved for Le Mans heroes, not mortal hands. The boost is set at factory specification of 0.825 Bar. Since its thorough renewal, this example has been driven frequently by the consignor and consistently maintained by a full-time in-house mechanic and has recently received a fresh oil change and new tires.

This RUF BTR 3.4 is offered with its impressive history file and a substantial set of Eagle Racing and Protomotive invoices. As an exceptionally rare factory W09 Slantnose with an extraordinary trove of factory, federal, and original owner documentation, this 1987 RUF BTR carries provenance matched by few of its peers. It offers the best of both worlds: a thoroughly engaging driver's car meant to be enjoyed on the road, paired with an extensive, documented history that elevates its desirability and collector significance. Enhanced with a meticulous, authenticity-driven restoration under its most recent caretaker, it is a compelling addition to any serious RUF or Porsche collection.