RUF’s icon sells big at Amelia Island.
A select few cars have truly cemented themselves as timeless icons, representing a moment in time and the evolution of an industry as a whole. For RUF Automobiles and its legacy of manufacturing some of the world’s fastest sports cars on and off the track, the CTR ‘Yellowbird’ stands out as its pinnacle model and inspiration for future builds. Big things happened at Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island auction, where a 1989 RUF CTR “Yellowbird” just sold for a jaw-dropping $6,055,000.
That makes it the most expensive RUF ever auctioned, blowing past the last record of just over $1 million back in 2018. This particular example is one of just 29 CTR Yellowbirds ever made and one of only nine that were finished in the signature Blutengelb (Blossom Yellow) color. With under 1,700 kilometers on the odometer and only two owners, it’s basically been preserved in time. Even better, it came with the Leichtbau (lightweight) spec and a six-speed RUF gearbox, making it even more desirable to collectors. Alois Ruf himself was on scene to witness the historic sale, proving that the demand for RUF has only grown over the years.
For those who aren’t familiar, the CTR Yellowbird made a name for itself in the late ’80s as one of the fastest cars in the world. With a twin-turbo 3.4L flat-six pushing 463 horsepower, it was built to embarrass supercars of its time. Its insane 211 mph top speed, lightweight chassis, and raw driving experience made it a legend, especially after its famous Nürburgring run. With air-cooled performance icons continuing to rise in value, it’s safe to say the Yellowbird is officially part of the big leagues. View all RUF cars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below.
Source: Mike Maez/Gooding & Company
