by Unique Porsche 911 by Tuning Atelier Ruf Auctioned
Long before the appearance of modern restomod workshops, Ruf was the primary choice for car enthusiasts who wanted to perfect their Porsche. Founded in the late 1930s, Ruf created incredible automobiles, many of which have become highly prized collector’s items today.
One of the firm’s most interesting creations is this 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa, converted to BTR III specification. This makes it one of a kind. After a comprehensive restoration, this car will undoubtedly attract the attention of potential buyers.
Car’s History and Modifications
Ruf converted this car to BTR III specification back in 1990. At that time, the car received a new front spoiler and a rear spoiler inspired by Turbo models. The car is fitted with 17-inch Ruf Speedline wheels, and under the hood works an upgraded 3.4-liter turbocharged flat engine, which delivers 408 horsepower and is paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
This Ruf CTR Yellowbird was sold for $6.1 million, which is 41 times its original price.
Comprehensive Restoration and Current Condition
The first owner owned the car until 2024, after which it changed ownership and underwent a full-scale restoration at SV Automotive Engineering. During the restoration, the car was repainted, and a range of suspension renewal and brake system overhaul works were carried out.
The interior received new carpeting, and many details were restored or replaced. Among the key original elements are the Ruf air conditioning system, a Blaupunkt cassette stereo with upgraded speakers, and a Ruf leather steering wheel. During the restoration, the engine was also completely rebuilt with new pistons, cylinders, valves, valve springs, fasteners, bearings, fuel and oil lines, and the valve timing was changed. Even the turbocharger and wastegate were refurbished.
The car is being sold by PCar Market. The car’s total mileage since production is 46,100 km (28,645 miles), and it is currently located in La Verne, California. Only 48 km (30 miles) have been driven on it since the restoration.
Unique projects like this Ruf BTR III not only demonstrate the craftsmanship of tuning ateliers of the past but also serve as living history of automotive engineering. They show how an individual approach and meticulous restoration can transform a series-produced car into a work of art, the value of which only increases over time. Today’s collector car market increasingly values precisely such documented and meticulously restored examples with a vivid history, making them not just vehicles, but investments and heritage objects.
