A pristine 1989 RUF CTR “Yellowbird” has made historical past at Gooding & Firm’s Amelia Island Auctions, promoting for an astounding $6,055,000 USD. This sale marks a brand new file for the legendary German efficiency automotive, underscoring its rising standing as a collector’s holy grail.
One in every of simply 29 ever constructed, the automotive — chassis quantity W09BT0343KPR06026 — was factory-finished within the distinctive Blutengelb (Blossom Yellow) colorway, making it one in every of solely 9 on this shade. Much more vital, this specific CTR was specified within the uncommon Leichtbau (light-weight) configuration, that includes aluminum physique panels, a Matter aluminum roll cage and the optionally available six-speed RUF gearbox. The automotive stays in distinctive situation, having been pushed lower than 1,056 miles since new.
The RUF CTR initially gained worldwide recognition in 1987, when it was topped the world’s quickest manufacturing automotive, attaining a high pace of 211 mph throughout a Street & Monitor shootout. Dubbed “Yellowbird” for its vibrant coloration and whistling twin-turbo flat-six engine, the CTR grew to become an icon, immortalized in automotive historical past by means of RUF’s famed Faszination auf dem Nürburgring movie and numerous online game appearances.
Supplied with its authentic bill, books, instruments and RUF Zertifikat, the sale of this Yellowbird alerts a rising appreciation for air-cooled efficiency classics. Alois and Estonia Ruf, the corporate’s leaders, hailed the record-breaking public sale as a testomony to the CTR’s enduring legacy. With its efficiency, rarity and historic significance, the RUF CTR Yellowbird continues to cement its place as one of the crucial revered automobiles of all time.
