The legendary RUF CTR remains one of the most influential performance cars derived from the Porsche 911, combining lightweight construction, extensive engineering modifications, and formidable turbocharged power. Now offered on Bring a Trailer, this 1981 Porsche 911 Carrera coupe was converted to CTR specification by RUF in 1991 and subsequently returned to the German manufacturer for refurbishments in 2013 and 2023. Finished in Grand Prix White, the widebody example combines period-inspired engineering with documented specialist attention and a distinctive place in RUF’s history.
The original RUF CTR, introduced in 1987, established the company’s reputation for high-speed engineering. Famously nicknamed the “Yellow Bird,” the model recorded 211 mph during Road & Track magazine’s contemporary supercar top-speed test, demonstrating the potential of RUF’s extensively reengineered 911 platform.
Unlike the 29 original CTRs built from bodies-in-white with RUF VINs, this example began as a customer-supplied, rest-of-world Porsche 911 Carrera chassis. It is among approximately 25 such cars reportedly converted to CTR specification, with the listing describing it as one of the final Porsche chassis to receive the treatment.
Its lightweight widebody configuration incorporates an aluminum hood, roof, and doors, along with fiberglass and Kevlar bumpers. A fixed rear spoiler, shaved drip rails, aerodynamic mirrors, and a sunroof-delete configuration further emphasize its performance-oriented design. Braking is handled by RUF-branded calipers and 330mm cross-drilled, ventilated rotors, while staggered 17-inch RUF wheels wear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires.
Power comes from a RUF-modified 3,367cc flat-six featuring twin turbochargers, intercoolers, and upgraded electronic fuel injection. RUF claims an output of 469 horsepower at 5,950 rpm and 408 lb-ft of torque at 5,100 rpm. A RUF-developed six-speed manual transaxle, installed during the 2023 refurbishment, sends power to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential.
The cabin features Recaro fixed-back bucket seats trimmed in black leather with Pepita cloth inserts, an integrated roll cage, and deleted rear seating. RUF-branded VDO instrumentation includes an 8,000-rpm tachometer, a 350-km/h speedometer, and dedicated oil-pressure, oil-temperature, and boost gauges. A manual boost controller allows adjustment of the turbocharging system.
The odometer displays approximately 55,000 kilometers, equivalent to 34,000 miles, with fewer than 300 miles reportedly accumulated since RUF’s 2023 refurbishment. The car also returned to RUF for refurbishment in 2013. Accompanying documentation includes letters from RUF Automobile and a previous owner, specification sheets, a maintenance booklet, a tool kit, an uninstalled Sabelt six-point harness, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Montana title.
Source: Bring a Trailer
