The RUF CTR has become recognized the world over as the prime example of the pursuit for automotive excellence. The example presented here, chassis 026, is arguably the finest CTR and air-cooled RUF extant.
As its chassis number suggests, this was the 26th CTR built at RUF’s workshop in Pfaffenhausen. One of just nine “Yellowbirds” originally finished in yellow, this car features the model’s definitive livery of Blutengelb (Blossom Yellow), a rare Porsche color (code 139). It was also built in the most desirable Leichtbau specification.
Upon completion, 026 was delivered to its first owner, a German corporate entity controlled by a prominent car collector. The CTR remained in the hands of its original owner, never leaving Germany and without being registered until 2020, when it was sold to the current American owner. Since this time, the CTR has not been driven any distance, nor has it been publicly exhibited. At the time of cataloging, the odometer displayed just 1,673 km, approximately 1,040 miles.
A credit to the foresight of its two private owners, 026 is presented today in exceptional original condition. In all respects, this is a benchmark, time-capsule example retaining its factory-applied paint and interior finishes, various identification plates and serial-numbered components.
(Introductory description courtesy of Gooding Christie’s.)
