Broad Arrow Auctions, in partnership with Air|Water and Luftgekühlt, is happy 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 collection 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 necessary 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, nevertheless it wasn’t till 1987 that the agency made its mark and actually turned what it’s at present, 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 easiest driving expertise, no matter the automotive’s visible look or design. In contrast to its rivals, RUF shouldn’t be a modifier, it’s an outright producer, whose automobiles carry the critically necessary “W09” designation of their VINs—particular to the marque and to the automobiles.
Given their dedication to ground-up manufacturing, the whole manufacturing numbers are unsurprisingly very small. Previously 37 years for the reason that 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 had been produced worldwide.
The unique CTR’s introduction actually took the world by storm. In 1987, Street & Observe journal hosted its high pace problem at Nardo, together with each notable sports activities automotive producer, which had ready its automobiles very fastidiously. Among the many discipline was the Ferrari F40, essentially the most coveted automotive of its period, which arrived with a claimed (and unheard-of) high pace of 201 mph. The Ruf CTR, however, 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 & Observe that gave the automotive the moniker “Yellowbird” because of this.
Actually, the title of “World’s Quickest Automobile” was a groundbreaking achievement for Alois Ruf and his firm. Though this wasn’t his first mannequin, it was actually the automotive that put his firm on the map and let the world know he was a competitor and a drive to be reckoned with. Many would argue at present that he’s the best up to date automotive engineer of his technology, and whereas his popularity preceded him in Asia and Europe for a few years, he has rightfully gained this recognition Stateside during the last decade.
All instructed, solely 29 Yellowbirds had been constructed for worldwide distribution. In Porsche phrases, such rarity compares to the 959 Sport, of which solely 29 automobiles had been additionally constructed, and which is by the way thought-about essentially the most extremely valued Porsche highway automotive of its form. The McLaren F1, however, was inbuilt comparatively far more plentiful numbers—64 avenue automobiles had been inbuilt whole! The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Coupe and Roadster are maybe good comparability factors as nicely, as solely 26 examples had been constructed, as is the Porsche 911 GT1 Strasse, of which 20 examples had been produced.
Of the unique 29 RUF CTRs constructed, 13 are identified to exist in america. Of the remaining automobiles, they uniformly stay within the fingers of a number of the most necessary collectors on the earth, lots of whom have the means to show down even essentially 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 suppose that very like with Ferrari’s “post-Enzo Period,” RUF will likewise expertise an identical phenomenon. Specifically, an appreciation for the period by which Alois himself constructed these implausible automobiles, together with the Yellowbird, and a “post-Alois” period which is able to certainly see continued success for the corporate however solely add additional appreciation for the Yellowbird.
As one of many 29, this explicit RUF CTR Yellowbird, chassis quantity 023, is exceptional for not solely its distinctive efficiency, and basic 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 other than 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; fully checked and blue-printed.” The inspection by RUF included an undercarriage cleansing, paint buff, full upkeep, and the set up of latest wheels and tires guaranteeing a near-factory contemporary 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 remember to register to bid for this thrilling must-attend occasion.
