Please note that contrary to the printed catalogue, this car was produced for the 1989 model year. Veuillez noter que contrairement aux indications du catalogue, cette voiture correspond à l'année-modèle 1989. Please kindly note this lot has entered the EU for this sale under a temporary import bond. The successful bidder must arrange for the bond to be cancelled either by exporting the lot outside of the EU on an approved Bill of Lading with supporting customs documentation or by paying the applicable VAT and import duties to have the lot remain in the EU. Veuillez noter que ce lot est entrée en Union Européenne pour cette vente sous le régime de l'importation temporaire. L'adjudicataire doit lever ce régime soit en exportant le lot en dehors de l'Union Européenne sur production d'un connaissement approuvé et accompagné des documents douaniers le concernant, soit en payant les droits de douanes et la TVA applicables si le lot doit rester dans l'UE.

In the words of Colin Chapman: ‘Adding power makes you faster on the straights, subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere.’ For the legendary RUF CTR, Alois Ruf went one better and did both.

Power came from a bored-out, twin-turbocharged version of Porsche’s 3.2-litre 930/20 engine, as the 930/60 3.3-litre turbocharged engine was deemed too heavy for Alois’ liking. With the fuelling and ignition system lifted straight from the Group C 962, output was rated at a conservative 469 bhp, whilst drive was channelled through a five-speed gearbox designed in house with customized ratios, with a six-speed becoming available later.

Those 469 Pfaffenhausen horses were stabled in a radically lightened G model Carrera 3.2 body. Steel doors, hood and engine cover were replaced with aluminium, reducing curb weight by 200 kg. Rain gutters were shaved to reduce drag, fiberglass front and rear bumpers were fitted and the rear arches increased slightly in width to accommodate the larger Speedline wheels. In addition, Clubsport models received aluminium fenders and a full aluminium roll cage.

Even by present day standards, the result was astonishing: In 1987, Phil Hill piloted the infamous ‘yellowbird’ CTR to a record-breaking top speed of 211 mph for Road & Track magazine, a mark that would stand for over 10 years. Furthermore, the CTR went on to hold an unofficial lap record at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife for several years thereafter.

The RS Mint Green CTR offered here began life as a Guards Red 3.2 Carrera. The car’s original German owner drove it some 40,000 km before delivering it to RUF for conversion to CTR specifications. It retains its original clubsport features, including the full suite of aforementioned weight-saving components. After being converted at Pfaffenhausen in 1991, it remained in Europe until being exported to Japan in 1993, where it spent most of its life, accruing an impressive 197,000 km.

In 2015, it was re-imported into Europe and delivered to RUF in Pfaffenhausen for a gearbox overhaul and subsequently a complete health check at a Norwegian air-cooled Porsche specialist, where the twin K26 turbochargers were overhauled. It presents in remarkable condition both aesthetically and mechanically for its age and mileage, a true testament to RUF’s engineering prowess.