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 characteristic 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 grasp 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 really turned what it’s at this time, with Alois, Jr. on the helm—an engineer whose mandate to his staff was at all times to develop extra horsepower per liter than some other producer and to engineer the easiest driving expertise, no matter the automobile’s visible look or design. Not like its rivals, RUF is just not 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. 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 have been produced worldwide.
The unique CTR’s introduction really took the world by storm. In 1987, Street & Observe journal hosted its prime pace problem at Nardo, together with each notable sports activities automobile producer, which had ready its automobiles very fastidiously. Among the many discipline was the Ferrari F40, probably the most coveted automobile of its period, which arrived with a claimed (and unheard-of) prime pace of 201 mph. The Ruf CTR, then again, 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 prime pace of 211 mph, and certainly it was Street & Observe that gave the automobile the moniker “Yellowbird” in consequence.
Definitely, 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 actually the automobile 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 this time that he’s the best up to date automotive engineer of his technology, and whereas his status preceded him in Asia and Europe for a few years, he has rightfully gained this recognition Stateside over the past 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 sort. The McLaren F1, then again, was inbuilt comparatively rather more plentiful numbers—64 road 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 identified to exist in the US. Of the remaining automobiles, they uniformly stay within the palms of a number of the most vital collectors on this planet, a lot of whom have the means to show down even probably the most beneficiant supply or for whom the removing of the Yellowbird would signify the disappearance of the cornerstone of their assortment, and due to this fact an untenable proposition. As Alois undoubtedly nears eventual retirement, it’s cheap to assume that very like with Ferrari’s “post-Enzo Period,” RUF will likewise expertise an identical phenomenon. Particularly, an appreciation for the period wherein Alois himself constructed these incredible 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 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 gentle weight inside. Moreover, it options the fascinating RUF-designed six-speed transmission— an unbelievable mixture of excellent style and perception into future desirability from its authentic 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 handbook as “authentic 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 guaranteeing a near-factory recent instance.
To view extra thrilling automobiles on supply 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.
