The Unique Ruf BTR III Car After Restoration
Long before the appearance of modern tuning ateliers, Ruf was already the place where Porsches were taken for radical improvement. Founded as a repair shop in the late 1930s, it later evolved into a manufacturer specializing in reworking Porsche models, presenting its first full-fledged car in 1977. Over the years of its existence, Ruf has created a number of impressive machines, many of which are highly valued by collectors today.
One of the firm’s most interesting creations, which could have remained unnoticed, is a 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa, converted to BTR III specification. This car is unique, one of a kind. After a comprehensive restoration, it will undoubtedly attract the attention of potential buyers.
Features and History of the Conversion
Ruf converted this car into a BTR III version in 1990. The car received a new front spoiler and a rear spoiler inspired by the Turbo model. It is fitted with 17-inch Ruf Speedline wheels, as well as an upgraded 3.4-liter turbocharged flat-six engine. This unit, developing 408 horsepower, is paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
Details of the Comprehensive Restoration
The car remained with the first owner until 2024, after which it changed ownership and underwent a full-scale restoration at SV Automotive Engineering. As part of the restoration, the car was repainted, received a number of suspension improvements, and a major overhaul of the braking system was carried out.
The interior received new carpeting, and many details were updated 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 rebuilt: new pistons, cylinders, valves, valve springs, mounts, bearings, fuel and oil lines were installed, and the valve timing was changed. Even the turbocharger and wastegate were repaired.
Current Sales Situation
The car is being sold by PCar Market. The total mileage of the Porsche 911 since its release is 46,100 km (28,645 miles), and it is currently located in La Verne, California. Since the completion of the restoration, the car has traveled only 48 km (30 miles), which is a negligible distance, insufficient even to fully warm up the oil, let alone to appreciate the full scope of the work performed.
This makes the car practically untouched after the rebuild, which seems almost criminal. Someone, perhaps, should fix that. This unique Ruf undoubtedly deserves the attention of car enthusiasts and collectors seeking rare and historically significant specimens. Its combination of originality, history, and post-professional restoration condition makes it a true find in the collector car market.