Description
The estimates for this Lot are $750, 000 -$950, 000 (USD).
This car is Lot 18 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Miami Auction on 3 May, please see the Bonhams|Cars website for full details.
Viewing:
For F1 Ticket Holders:
Friday, May 2, 11:30am - 7:30pm
Saturday, May 3, 10am - 7pm
For Registered Bidders with Saturday Campus Pass Entry:
Saturday, May 3, 10am - 7pm
Entry to the circuit by 4pm is required for F1 Ticket Holders
Lot 18
2008 RUF RGT
Chassis no. W09CB03838PR06109
Engine no.
3, 800cc DOHC 'Mezger' Flat 6-cylinder Engine
Bosch Motronic Engine Management
445bhp
6-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Brembo Carbon Ceramic Brakes
* A visually stunning and genuine 'W09' VIN factory-built RUF
* Built at Pfaffenhausen at the behest of the Chairman of Samsung, Mr. Lee
* Incredible 'Chromaflash Hologram Silver' dynamic paintwork over blue leather
* Equipped with sport seats, carbon bodywork, and full roll cage
* One of a reported 14 RGTs produced, based on the 997 GT3
* Reengineered by RUF with new engine internals and bespoke Bilstein suspension
* Accompanied by RUF Zertifikat, 2 keys, books, and service logbook
* An incredibly rare opportunity to acquire a genuine RUF in magnificent spec
RUF AUTOMOBILES
Nearly 90 years ago, few would have believed that a small family-run service station in Pfaffenhausen, Germany would eventually produce some of the most sought-after, exquisitely engineered super sports cars in the world. Thanks to his father's garage business, Alois Ruf Jr. developed a passion for automobiles, chief among them the Porsche 911. It was natural that RUF's creations would center around this model, and as the company expanded with Alois' ambitions, body-in-white 911 shells morphed into their unique creations. So comprehensive was the work that RUF performed, that the small company earned coveted manufacturer status in Germany, with their own VIN sequence.
RUF's fandom was instantly immortalized in print for countless young enthusiasts when a bright yellow RUF CTR, aka, the Yellowbird, swept onto the cover of Road & Track magazine's epic "World's Fastest Cars" issue from July 1987. In that test, it bested all comers, topping an astounding 211 mph. The film "Faszination on the Nurburgring," featuring Stefan Roser casually (in jeans and loafers!) powersliding and manhandling the CTR Yellowbird around the 'Ring at incredible speeds, further elevate RUF as a cult hero.
A RUF is so much more than a tuned 911. Like its counterparts at Alpina or AMG, RUF automobiles are built from the ground up, re-engineered to the point of being considered new cars. RUF cherry picks the lightest and most aerodynamic shells from the Porsche catalogue, fitting lightweight panels, bespoke components, and even going so far as to shave rain gutters to reduce drag. Today, RUF cars retain the near mythical status of their forbearers and are coveted by collectors for their exquisite quality and mind-bending performance.
Well established as a manufacturer, RUF has offered a wide range of models through the years from stripped-down hardcore speedsters to mighty, turbocharged continent crushers, there is little RUF cannot do to create the ultimate interpretation of the iconic Porsche 911 formula.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 2008 RUF RGT is a genuine Pfaffenhausen-built RGT as denoted by its W09 VIN reported to be one of just 14 examples of the second-gen version produced. It is a stunning automobile with unique features selected for its first owner, the late Chairman of Samsung, Mr. Lee, well-known as a car enthusiast and serious collector. According to the vendor, the car spent much of its life in Japan, since Mr. Lee was unable to bring the car into Korea.
Based on the renowned 997 GT3 platform, the RGT is one of the most celebrated RUF cars of the last 20 years, sitting toward the hardcore end of the scale, like a GT3 turned up to 11 in the way that only RUF Automobiles can do. The 3. 6-liter GT3 engine grew to 3. 8-liters, thanks to larger bores, gaining new Mahle pistons, titanium connecting rods, balanced crankshaft, reworked cams, single-mass flywheel, and a bespoke Bosch Motronic ECU. The result is a storming 445bhp with a distinctive quick-revving urgency, and a boost in low-end torque.
Power is nothing without control, as they say, and RUF spent considerable effort fine tuning the chassis with unique Bilstein dampers, reworked geometry, Carbon Ceramic brakes by Brembo and 19-inch Superleggera wheels. Of course, the bodywork gets the RUF treatment, gaining carbon fiber doors, hood, fender flares, engine lid, reworked bumpers, and a large fixed rear wing for a muscular, purposeful look.
For his RGT, Mr. Lee specified a most arresting paint known as 'Chromaflash Hologram Silver' which changes dramatically in varying light. The color is complemented by a lush blue leather interior with grey Alcantara accents. Aggressively bolstered carbon sport seats hint at the car's potential, and there's an integrated, upholstered roll cage should things go south in a hurry. Other touches include carbon fiber trim, a blue leather-covered dash, and an integrated Bury satellite receiver. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer displays 18, 416 miles, showing the RUF has not been put away and forgotten.
Items accompanying the sale include a spare key, RUF Zertifikat, a letter from Alois Ruf outlining its history, owner's manual, and a service logbook. Paint protection film has been applied to high impact areas to help protect the unique finish.
With such a low production run, any opportunity to acquire a genuine RUF RGT is a rare one, yet this example stands apart thanks to its stunning specification. A magnificent performance machine from one of the most revered names in the industry, this will surely be a welcome addition to any world-class collection.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
