by Unique Ruf CTR3 Clubsport: A Supercar Overshadowed by Giants
In the multi-million-dollar supercar market, there is no shortage of options, but most buyers choose well-known brands. The Ruf CTR3 Clubsport rarely makes it onto that list, which is a pity, as it is one of the most fascinating cars in its segment, remaining in the shadow of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and even Koenigsegg.
While Porsche deliberated on whether to put a mid-engine 911 on the road, Ruf had already answered that question years earlier, creating a car that proved the concept.
Technical Excellence and Rarity
Ruf introduced the CTR3 in 2012. The car is built on a special aluminum space frame by Multimatic, the same company that created the Ford GT, and is clad in a lightweight composite of Kevlar and carbon fiber. The frame is approximately 11 inches (27.9 cm) longer than a standard 911, allowing for the placement of the flat-six engine ahead of the rear axle. Although the technical foundation comes from the Porsche 911 997 generation, the mid-engine layout brings the car closer to the 918 Spyder.
Total production of the CTR3 was limited to just 30 units worldwide, of which only 7 are Clubsport versions, like this one. This car, which will be auctioned during Monterey Car Week, was unveiled by Ruf at the Geneva Motor Show in 2018. It is also the first CTR3 equipped with a PDK transmission instead of the older sequential gearboxes used in earlier versions.
Design and Power
This CTR3 Clubsport is finished in Oak Green Metallic, which looks stunning, complemented by silver five-spoke wheels. The car features numerous exposed carbon fiber components, including the front splitter, rear wing, and roof air intake.
Under the hood lies a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six engine producing 766 hp. This is enough to propel the CTR3 Clubsport from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in three seconds and achieve a top speed of 236 mph (380 km/h), aided by a curb weight of just over 3,000 lbs (1,360 kg).
Interior and Auction
The cabin is also noteworthy. It is primarily upholstered in black leather but features green-and-red checkered fabric on the seats with quilted stitching. Other highlights include numerous carbon fiber accents, such as on the dashboard, as well as black-and-green floor mats.
Auction house RM Sotheby’s, handling the sale, expects the car to fetch between $1.7 and $1.9 million. Whether it meets this estimate depends on how many collectors realize the value of what Ruf has created. We will find out when the hammer falls during Monterey Car Week.
This Ruf CTR3 Clubsport is not just another supercar; it is a true piece of engineering that challenges established standards. Its rarity (only 7 Clubsport versions) and unique history, tied to its Geneva debut, make it especially valuable for connoisseurs. It is worth noting that the car combines Porsche’s heritage with a bold mid-engine layout, making it a unique phenomenon even among exclusive hypercars. Its appearance at auction offers a collector a chance to acquire not just a fast car, but a piece of automotive history that has long remained in the shadow of more heavily marketed brands.
