RUF CTR Yellowbird
The RUF CTR 'Yellowbird' is one of the most legendary cars in automotive history. Built by Alois Ruf Jr.'s company in Pfaffenhausen, Bavaria, the CTR was based on a Porsche 911 but registered as a RUF — a separate manufacturer. Its twin-turbocharged flat-six produced 469 horsepower in a car weighing just 2,535 pounds. In 1987, it became the world's fastest production car at 213 mph. But the CTR is best remembered for a Road & Track video filmed at the Nürburgring, where test driver Stefan Roser drifted the yellow car through every corner of the Nordschleife in what many consider the greatest automotive video ever made. Only 29 original CTRs were built, and they now command millions at auction.
With only 29 built, these almost never come to market. Authentication through RUF in Pfaffenhausen is essential. Values have increased dramatically — $1.5M-4M range. The Porsche-derived mechanicals are well-understood. RUF still provides factory support for all their cars. These are blue-chip collector cars.
Only 29 CTRs were built based on the 911 Carrera 3.2 platform. Each was hand-built by RUF as a complete vehicle (not a conversion). RUF is recognized as a separate manufacturer by the German KBA. The 2017 CTR3 and 2023 SCR follow the original's philosophy.