1998 Ruf R Turbo

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys The Monterey Auction event, 13 - 15 August 2026.
$1,500,000 - $1,800,000 USD

• One of approximately 17 examples produced, all uniquely specified
• Hand-built 550-hp, 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine; six-speed manual transaxle and all-wheel drive
• Finished in Grand Prix White over Black leather with Acid Green highlights
• Numerous desirable features, including lightweight door cards, slick top, shaved rain gutters, integrated roll cage, and carbon fiber lollipop sport seats
• Benefits from $88,975 in upgrades fitted by RUF in late 2022, including larger turbos, 19-inch forged center-locking wheels, carbon ceramic brakes, and reupholstered interior
• Formerly within the personal collection of RUF North America

RUF Automobile GmbH of Pfaffenhausen, Germany, stunned the world with its initial 1977 Turbo 3.3 and subsequent 1978 SCR 3.2, both built on Porsche 911 chassis with uprated running gear. So impressive was the companys engineering and quality of operations, that the German government upgraded RUFs legal standing from aftermarket tuner to official automobile manufacturer in 1981 with its models granted their own W09-prefix chassis numbers. Ever since, RUF has released increasingly impressive models that exceed the performance of the Porsches that share their DNA, setting multiple production car speed records over the years.

Introduced in 1998 and available through 2002, the RUF Turbo R succeeded the CTR2 as the automakers top-performing supercar. Like its predecessor, the Turbo R is based on the type 993 Porsche 911 Turbo. Power came from a variant of Porsches M64/60 3.6-liter flat-six engine, upgraded by RUF with larger twin turbochargers, more aggressive camshafts, a custom ECU, and freer-breathing exhaust to produce 483 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. RUF also installed its own six-speed manual transaxle, limited-slip differential, and upgraded suspension. Offered with either rear- or all-wheel drive, performance was expectedly astonishing: zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed over 200 mph.

RUF produced approximately 17 examples of the W09-chassis Turbo R, each uniquely outfitted according to owners tastes. Finished in Grand Prix White over Black leather, this Turbo R is equipped with all-wheel drive, lightweight door cards, and a leather-wrapped integrated roll cage. The standard 993-generation rain gutters have been shaved from the bodywork, a signature RUF modification that improves aerodynamics and top speed. Special carbon fiber bumpers and fenders feature integrated heat extractors and conceal additional coolers for the engine and brakes.

In October 2022, the previous owner sent this Turbo R back to RUF headquarters in Pfaffenhausen to receive an additional $88,975 of upgrades that significantly increased engine output and improved handling and braking capabilities. The work included installing larger turbochargers and tuning the engine to 550 horsepower, fitting forged aluminum 19-inch, center-locking wheels, and installing carbon ceramic brakes with Acid Green calipers. RUF also retrimmed the interior with Acid Green Alcantara seat inserts, contrast stitching, and seatbelts, and resprayed the front and rear bumpers. Other desirable RUF interior fittings include harness-capable carbon fiber lollipop sport seats, high-contrast gauges, and RUF-branded billet aluminum pedals, shift knob, and steering wheel. An updated head unit with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and USB capabilities adds convenience.

Acquired by the consignor in 2024 and kept in his collection with little use since then, this remarkable RUF Turbo R one of approximately 17 produced in period is now offered with RUF Certificate of Authenticity, an invoice for the upgrades in 2022, and factory books. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo26/.