This Ruf Yellowbird is truly unique, and it's not solely due to its unusual color.

      Screenshot RM Sotheby’s

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      The Ruf CTR, commonly referred to as “Yellowbird,” started as a Porsche 911 Carrera but underwent extensive customization, resulting in a vehicle that is virtually a new model. A limited number of these cars were created with similar specifications, but only one features a Bordeaux Red paint job and was personally driven by Alois Ruf Jr. This is the car currently being presented for sale.

      This 1989 Ruf CTR1 Lightweight, unofficially named “Redbird,” is one of only six lightweight CTRs ever produced. To achieve the Lightweight classification, certain steel body panels were replaced with aluminum; it lacks a center console, roll cage, power brakes, sunroof, and radio, and some sound-deadening foam from the chassis has been removed, while the seats are designed to be particularly lightweight.

      RM Sotheby’s

      Despite these modifications, the car retains its twin-turbo flat-six engine, which has been bored to 3.4 liters, a Ruf five-speed transmission, and reinforcement of the chassis.

      During 1987, these vehicles could reach 211 mph—a remarkable speed for any car of its kind at that time—allowing it to win Road & Track’s “World’s Fastest Car” competition that year. The release of the “Faszination on the Nürburgring” video in 1989 further solidified Ruf’s reputation among anyone who had the opportunity to view it.

      This specific model, the ninth CTR produced (out of a total of 29, including six Lightweight versions), was reportedly kept at Alois Ruf Jr.’s residence and partly used as his personal vehicle before it was passed on to its first true owner. Mr. Ruf himself, known for his passion for modifying 911s, elevated Ruf from his father's legacy into a renowned name in Porsche customization history.

      Even without the intriguing backstory, the specifications of this car are remarkable. The combination of red and dark brown exudes a certain richness. I feel like I can almost sense the interior through these images. Overall, the car is a visual delight.

      Regrettably, for most of us, simply admiring it is all we will be able to do—R.M. Sotheby’s is set to auction it at Monterey this summer, with expectations that it will sell for between $4.5 million and $5 million.

      RM Sotheby’s

      Are you aware of any other exceptional Porsches? Feel free to contact me at [email protected].