Broad Arrow Auctions, in partnership with Air|Water and Luftgekühlt, is worked up to host their second all-Porsche Public sale on the 2025 version of Air|Water, the globally acknowledged Porsche fanatic occasion, on 26 April in Costa Mesa, California. This must-attend public sale will function an elite choice of uncommon and standout examples from the famend marque together with, this 1989 RUF CTR Yellowbird estimated at $4,500,000 – $5,500,000.
In understanding the legendary Yellowbird, it’s critically vital to know RUF as an organization, the way it was based, and what it means to the automotive world as a complete. With its origins in 1939, RUF was based by Alois Ruf, Sr. as a service storage, however it wasn’t till 1987 that the agency made its mark and actually turned what it’s at this time, with Alois, Jr. on the helm—an engineer whose mandate to his workforce was at all times to develop extra horsepower per liter than another producer and to engineer the perfect driving expertise, no matter the automobile’s visible look or design. Not like its opponents, RUF will not be a modifier, it’s an outright producer, whose automobiles carry the critically vital “W09” designation of their VINs—particular to the marque and to the automobiles.
Given their dedication to ground-up manufacturing, the overall manufacturing numbers are unsurprisingly very small. Prior to now 37 years because the CTR Yellowbird was launched, Ruf had solely constructed about 400 whole “W09”-VIN automobiles, up till the introduction of the CTR Anniversary in 2017, for which solely 50 automobiles have been produced worldwide.
The unique CTR’s introduction actually took the world by storm. In 1987, Street & Monitor journal hosted its high pace problem at Nardo, together with each notable sports activities automobile producer, which had ready its automobiles very rigorously. Among the many discipline was the Ferrari F40, probably the most coveted automobile of its period, which arrived with a claimed (and unheard-of) high pace of 201 mph. The Ruf CTR, alternatively, was pushed to Nardo from Pfaffenhausen instantly, not trailered like each different producer. Blowing the doorways off each different competitor on the high-speed ring that day, it reached a high pace of 211 mph, and certainly it was Street & Monitor that gave the automobile the moniker “Yellowbird” in consequence.
Actually, the title of “World’s Quickest Automotive” was a groundbreaking achievement for Alois Ruf and his firm. Though this wasn’t his first mannequin, it was definitely the automobile that put his firm on the map and let the world know he was a competitor and a pressure to be reckoned with. Many would argue at this time that he’s the best up to date automotive engineer of his era, and whereas his repute preceded him in Asia and Europe for a few years, he has rightfully gained this recognition Stateside during the last decade.
All advised, solely 29 Yellowbirds have been constructed for worldwide distribution. In Porsche phrases, such rarity compares to the 959 Sport, of which solely 29 automobiles have been additionally constructed, and which is by the way thought of probably the most extremely valued Porsche street automobile of its form. The McLaren F1, alternatively, was inbuilt comparatively rather more plentiful numbers—64 avenue automobiles have been inbuilt whole! The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Coupe and Roadster are maybe good comparability factors as effectively, as solely 26 examples have been constructed, as is the Porsche 911 GT1 Strasse, of which 20 examples have been produced.
Of the unique 29 RUF CTRs constructed, 13 are recognized to exist in the USA. Of the remaining automobiles, they uniformly stay within the palms of a number of the most vital collectors on the planet, lots of whom have the means to show down even probably the most beneficiant provide or for whom the removing of the Yellowbird would signify the disappearance of the cornerstone of their assortment, and subsequently an untenable proposition. As Alois undoubtedly nears eventual retirement, it’s cheap to assume that very similar to with Ferrari’s “post-Enzo Period,” RUF will likewise expertise an identical phenomenon. Specifically, an appreciation for the period wherein Alois himself constructed these implausible automobiles, together with the Yellowbird, and a “post-Alois” period which is able to absolutely see continued success for the corporate however solely add additional appreciation for the Yellowbird.
As one of many 29, this specific RUF CTR Yellowbird, chassis quantity 023, is exceptional for not solely its distinctive efficiency, and traditional Blütengelb Yellow paintwork however its “one-of-one” inside because the singular CTR Yellowbird outfitted with a particular mild weight inside. Moreover, it options the fascinating RUF-designed six-speed transmission— an unbelievable mixture of fine style and perception into future desirability from its unique proprietor. Maybe most spectacular are the notations recorded on its RUF Zertifikat issued in 2016. Signed by Hans Kerler, famous on the doc as the unique builder of 023, the doc states that apart from a minor paint restore within the engine bay accomplished by RUF, it retains “100 % first paint in any other case.” Moreover, it describes the 469 horsepower 3.4-liter flat-six engine and six-speed guide as “unique and have matching numbers; utterly checked and blue-printed.” The inspection by RUF included an undercarriage cleansing, paint buff, full upkeep, and the set up of recent wheels and tires making certain a near-factory recent instance.
To view extra thrilling automobiles on provide at Broad Arrow’s Porsche Air|Water Public sale, please go to their web site at broadarrowauctions.com and you should definitely register to bid for this thrilling must-attend occasion.
