We’re just a few weeks away from RM Sotheby’s high-end collectible automobile auction in Monaco, and already, we’re seeing some very impressive lots lining up to hit the block. Among them is this unique mid-engine 911, which is expected to fetch upwards of $1 million.

Continue reading for the full story.

The Full Story

RUF Automobile is best known as a German-based tuner of all things Porsche, but in all honesty, that description is a bit short-sighted. First established in 1939, the German government officially recognizes RUF as a full-blown manufacturer, as it offers much more than lowering kits and exhausts - a model branded by this group is sure to be a complete high-performance package, built from the ground up to offer Porsche-style speed that’s above and beyond what you get direct from a dealer.

As such, this CTR3 is definitely on another level, and although it might look like a 911, it really is a wild creation unto itself.

First off, let’s talk about the profile. To make it a reality, RUF worked with the Canadian-based performance engineering specialists at Multimatic, which is the same company that developed the Ford GT racer that stormed Le Mans recently. Placed next to a standard 911, you’ll notice the RUF creation adds nearly a foot to the wheelbase, which is necessary to house the mid-mounted engine package.

Speaking of which, RUF went to Porsche for the powerplant, mounting a 3.8-liter flat-six for motivation. The ‘sixer was then upgraded with a pair of new KKK turbos, with output uprated to around 777 horsepower. All that muscle is routed via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which sends it to the ground at the rear axle.

Properly motived, the RUF CTR4 should achieve a top speed of 236 mph.

That’s epically fast, but the car should also handle decently. It weighs just 3,000 pounds, while the 997-era 911 provides the suspension bits with MacPherson struts in front. Meanwhile, RUF tweaked the rear multi-link suspension to match the rest of the spec.

There’s further unique additions in the cabin, including a pair of carbon fiber seats covered in leather upholstery and plaid inserts, as well as an RUF-branded three-spoke steering wheel.

The exterior gets an Oak Green paint job, plus oodles of carbon fiber everywhere. Don’t forget the wild-looking roof intake and large rear spoiler to boot.

This particular example is one of the last RUF CTR3 models produced, of which less than 30 were created total. It’s also one of seven in the track-oriented Clubsport appointment. 


RM Sotheby’s says it sits in “virtually as-new” condition, which means whoever takes it home will enjoy that new car smell for quite a while. The car also went on display at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show earlier in the year, which makes it something of a minor celebrity in the car world.

The RUF CTR3 heads to auction on May 12th as Lot Number 159. It carries an estimated value between 800,000 euros and 900,000 euros ($966,347 and $1,087,141 at current exchange rates, 04/30/2018).

References

Read our full review on the 2017 Porsche 911.

Read more Porsche news.