For Sale at Auction: 2013 Ruf Rt35 in Carmel, California

Chassis No. W09BB2388DPR06169
Rt35 Anniversary No. 06/35

RUF's story began not as a car manufacturer but as a small repair garage in the Bavarian town of Pfaffenhausen, established by Alois Ruf Sr. nearly eight decades ago. His son, Alois Ruf Jr., later built the family business into one of Porsche's most respected independent partners. That reputation began in 1977 and grew exponentially over the following decade, culminating in the CTR of 1987, nicknamed the "Yellowbird," that reached 211 mph and cemented RUF's status among the era's most capable performance builders.

Built to commemorate 35 years of turbocharged heritage, the Rt35 holds the distinction of being the first RUF model constructed on the new 991-generation platform. The model was introduced at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show alongside Alois Ruf's original 1977 RUF Turbo 3.3. While earlier RUF anniversary models paid tribute to the company's history with restraint, the Rt35 announces its intentions more openly, with aerodynamic detailing drawn from RUF's most celebrated models yet distinctly its own. Only 35 examples were built, making it one of the more exclusive entries in RUF's modern catalog.

Under the skin, a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six draws air through channels integrated into the rear fenders and sends 630 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission, a roughly 70-horsepower advantage over the contemporaneous 911 Turbo delivered with notably smooth, linear response. Suspension tuning was handled in partnership with Bilstein, aiming for a chassis equally at home on a track day and a daily commute. Carbon ceramic brakes measuring 380 mm up front and 350 mm at the rear are clamped by four-piston calipers at each corner, keeping the car as composed as it is quick, while forged 20-inch wheels measure 8.5 inches wide up front and 12 inches at the rear. The Rt35 is counted among the final RUF models built around the Mezger-derived drivetrain architecture, produced just before the company turned its focus to carbon-tub construction and its own in-house engines, a bridge between two distinct chapters of RUF engineering.

Finished in Carrara White, this example is the sixth of the 35-car production run and one of a smaller handful finished as an open car, lending it particular significance within an already limited series. Factory options include a hydraulic lifting system for the front axle, a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser, and cornering bi-xenon headlights.

Inside, the cabin was originally specified in Luxor Beige leather and Alcantara, with front and rear seat centers finished in Alcantara and contrasting stitching throughout. Further equipment included a touchscreen navigation system, BOSE sound system, automatic climate control, electronically adjustable comfort seats with memory function, leather-trimmed seatbacks, seat heating, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The car has since received a thoughtful interior refresh, with carbon fiber bucket seats in Black leather installed to bring the cabin in line with more contemporary standards while preserving the driver-focused character RUF is known for. Today the car presents as a stunning example, displaying approximately 9,900 miles at the time of cataloging.

As one of only 35 examples built, and one of a smaller handful finished as an open car, this Rt35 stands as a distinctive marker in RUF's history, representing the moment the company first stepped onto the 991 platform. For the collector seeking a numbered, historically significant RUF with the added exclusivity of open-air motoring, this Rt35 is a compelling offering.