Our team at duPont REGISTRY Live is proud to offer this extraordinary RUF Ultimate, a remarkably rare machine developed in close collaboration with Alois Ruf, completed in 2022. Conceived as an evolution of the philosophy that produced the legendary CTR “Yellowbird,” the Ultimate represents one of the most exclusive interpretations of the air-cooled 911 ever created. This example stands out as the only known blue-on-blue configuration and includes documentation confirming its unique build history. Acquired from its second owner, the car is an exceptionally well-preserved example of RUF’s engineering and exquisite craftsmanship. Opportunities to acquire an automobile of such significance and caliber are exceedingly uncommon, and discerning collectors will undoubtedly take notice.

Few companies hold the same reputation in Porsche lore as RUF Automobile GmbH. Based in Pfaffenhausen, Southern Germany, the Bavarian manufacturer has spent decades redefining the limits of the 911 platform, building cars that combine factory-level engineering with extreme performance. From the legendary CTR “Yellowbird” that conquered the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife in the late 1980s, to modern limited-production builds, these handcrafted automobiles have cemented Ruf’s place among the world’s most respected performance manufacturers.
 
This 964-based build represents one of the rarest expressions of building upon the Yellowbird’s philosophy. It was converted by RUF as part of the company’s Ultimate program, and was originally commissioned by a close friend of Alois Ruf.
 
The Ultimate project was so exclusive that only two cars were ever made. The first Ultimate appeared in 2016 as a prototype, featuring a narrow carbon-fiber body that showcased the concept. It was written up in 2017 by Top Gear, Autoweek, and Excellence Magazine, among other publications.  The second example is this car (which has never been shown previously), nicknamed “Bluebird,” as it is the only Ultimate finished in a one-off PTS blue-on-blue specification. It rides on grey metallic staggered 18-inch RUF five-spoke light-weight alloy wheels wrapped in 225/40 ZR18 front and 285/30 ZR18 rubber at the rear. Stopping power comes from slotted carbon ceramic discs and yellow painted brake calipers. Inside, the cabin features Nachtblau or dark blue leather upholstery with contrasting silver-grey stitching. 
 
As for performance, power comes from a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged air-cooled flat-six that puts out 580 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a G64 six-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels. Tipping the scales at under 2,650 pounds, 62 mph takes less than three seconds, and a top speed is in excess of 211 mph.
 
Completed in 2022 as a wide-body steel conversion incorporating carbon-fiber doors and a carbon-fiber hood and tail section. The car retains the same technical specifications developed for the original W09 Ultimate prototype, along with their signature integrated full roll cage. Documentation from RUF confirms the vehicle’s specifications as identical to the W09 Ultimate  including its engine and gearbox numbers, and the delivery following completion of the Ultimate conversion program.
 
Despite being completed by RUF in 2022, the car carries a WP0 Porsche VIN, a detail that has sparked speculation among collectors. One theory suggests the VIN was used to simplify export taxation for the original owner, by allowing the car to be registered as a Porsche. Another theory suggests it allowed RUF to  produce a second Ultimate after the prototype was sold with both cars representing a one off of the only two Ultimate’s built. RUF has confirmed in writing that there will never be another Ultimate built.
 
Whatever the explanation, the result is a fascinating anomaly. Mechanically identical to the original prototype and completed as a new build in 2022, this car represents the final expression of RUF’s Ultimate concept, and one of the most unusual air-cooled RUF creations ever produced. As of this date the car has 3,032 miles on it.

 

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Items Included in Sale