1985 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 3.2 - RUF CTR YELLOWBIRD TRIBUTE

This Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 is a custom modern classic, which was transformed around 10 years ago to become a stunning tribute to the legendary RUF CTR Yellowbird. Its engine is a 3.2-litre air-cooled flat-six, enhanced by a cold air intake system, remap and bespoke exhaust, driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.

Starting life as a standard Carrera 3.2 coupe finished in black, this car was delivered in November 1985 via Malaya Garage in Sussex, and early service history for the 911 remains in the file. By 2009, the car had around 130,000 miles on the odometer, and its engineer owner at the time decided to modify it in homage to one of the most recognisable tuned 911s of all time.

The bodywork was reprofiled, with the rear arches widened by 1.75 inches on each side, and replica RUF front and rear bumpers installed. The aim was to create exactly the same ‘footprint’ as the genuine CTR Yellowbird. Its front bumper was also fitted with an auxiliary oil cooler and ducting, and a new body-to-bumper seal. The front wings were replaced with GRP items that are slightly wider than the stock Carrera 3.2 panels, and a 930 Turbo deck lid and spoiler was sourced.

It sits on genuine 17-inch RUF Speedline wheels, and has clear front indicator lenses. The original ‘flag’ door mirrors were removed, the mounting points filled, and RUF-style aerodynamic mirrors fitted in their place. The entire underbody was stripped, cleaned, and professionally resealed with a Dinitrol treatment. Finally, the whole car was given a fresh coat of black paint following the bodywork modifications.

Mechanically, the car’s powertrain was fitted with a cold air intake system and K&N Lifetime filter, a new distributor cap, reconditioned injectors and idle control valve, stainless steel heat exchangers, and a new DME relay. The breather pipes were renewed where required, the fan belt was replaced, the valve clearances were reset, and the clutch was stripped and rebuilt. It was also treated to a remap, so is currently producing around 260bhp. The exhaust gas exits via a bespoke stainless steel system fabricated by Richard Thomas (TT Exhausts), which transforms and amplifies the sound of the air-cooled flat-six.

The suspension was changed to Bilstein sport shock absorbers all round, with 930 Turbo torsion bars, and SuperPro anti-roll bar bushes. A front suspension A-frame was stripped, rebuilt, and painted, and refitted with more SuperPro bushes throughout. The track rods and gaithers were renewed using 930 Turbo specification items, a front crossmember strut brace was fitted, and a reconditioned steering rack was installed. All of the gear selector bushes and pivot balls were replaced, a new high-pressure fuel pump was fitted, and the fuel pipe elbow was renewed.

In the cabin, the seats have been changed to later black leather items from a 993 model, which also have electric adjustment. The owner who modified the car initially fitted bucket seats with four-point harnesses, in full tribute to the original CTR Yellowbird style, but these were later removed. As a result, a full harness bar is still mounted between the B-pillars, should the next owner wish to revert it to a racier interior. The interior also has a rear seat delete conversion, with a smart carpeted luggage shelf adding more practicality. There are some blue LEDs in the dashboard, an aftermarket Sony stereo face-off head unit and CD player, and new heater controls have been fitted.

The total cost of the conversion to its present RUF CTR Yellowbird tribute appearance was in the region of £15,000. While by no means aimed at being an exact replica, this is a striking homage, and one which has attracted plenty of admiring comments on Porsche forums. The current owner acquired the car five years ago, and has enjoyed some 10,000 miles on the road.

Today, just over 10 years after the transformation, its black paintwork still looks glossy, but there are a few blemishes around the body as you might anticipate. The GRP wings have some ripples in the finish near the scuttle panel, which suggests some moisture under the coats, but there is no crazing in the paint. There are also a few marks and small cracks on the rear bumper, and a few other light scratches in the finish. Opening the doors reveals small patches of rust at the top of the shut panels, which will need to be attended to in due course.

Its light lenses and rear reflector are generally in very good order, though there is a chip in the nearside front headlight. The seller has given the car a light machine polish, and states that the general appearance is of a very smart car, with the few blemishes only noticeable on a close inspection. The car has a sunroof panel, though it has never been operated by the present owner. Its genuine 17-inch RUF Speedline wheels have some small kerbing scuffs and paint flaws, so would benefit from careful refurbishment - being valuable items in their own right.

The interior trim is sound, with no damage and only minor wear on the black leather seat upholstery. The carpeting around the cabin also presents well, and there are just small marks and scuffs around the foot wells, and to some of the plastics. It comes with two steering wheels - the smaller Momo item seen fitted in the photo gallery, as well as the larger diameter wheel pictured in the front boot. The seller notes that the switchgear and electrics work well, though the odometer stopped functioning correctly within the last year, so requires some attention.

Mechanically, this 911 is in good condition, and the video below shows it revving out and driving on the road with ease. The seller notes only that there is a very minor oil drip from the transmission and engine oils. In November 2019, all of the brake calipers were refurbished, and a small amount of inner front wheel arch welding was completed to resolve an MOT note.

Prior maintenance visits on record include March 2015 at 146,224 miles, February 2013 at 138,038 miles, and April 2011 at 136,103 miles, when the gearbox was also stripped down and rebuilt. Its clutch can sometimes feel slightly heavy, but it shifts smoothly between the gears. The seller also notes that there is an occasional water drip into the driver’s foot well.

The most recent MOT test was carried out on 21 November 2019 at 154,428 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. One month earlier it had failed a test because of brake binding, some corrosion in the offside front wheel arch, and front lamp faults. All of these issues were rectified over the next few weeks, including specialist welding and refurbishment of all the brake calipers.

The wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres in size 225/45 ZR17 at the front and 245/40 ZR17 at the rear, which are date-coded to late 2009 and 2012 respectively. They are generally in good condition, with only some rubbing present on the back tyres from making occasional contact with the bodywork.

Accompanying the car is the original driver’s manual, stamped guarantee and maintenance record, and a raft of invoices and MOT certificates. A comprehensive report detailing the works carried out during the conversion is also present. The cherished registration ‘C16 RUF’ is included in the sale.

This Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 ‘RUF tribute’ is an upgraded and tastefully modified version of a classic 1980s sports car. As an homage to the incredible CTR Yellowbird, this 911 has some impressive exterior details, and always draws positive reactions when taken to marque gatherings or shows. While there are a few small jobs that can be attended to in due course, this is a wonderful bespoke build that is certain to delight its next owner.

Summary of service history:

• 31 Oct 1985 - Pre-delivery
• 14 Feb 1986 - 906 miles
• 21 Aug 1987 - 12,339 miles
• 3 Nov 1988 - 25,680 miles
• 22 Jan 1989 - 32,950 miles
• 14 Apr 2000 - 51,270 miles
• 26 Feb 2002 - 69,430 miles
• 14 Sep 2004 - 94,017 miles
• 11 Aug 2006 - 121,770 miles
• 15 Aug 2009 - 130,272 miles
• 8 Apr 2010 - 132,617 miles
• 14 Apr 2011 - 136,103 miles
• 11 Feb 2013 - 138,038 miles
• 4 Mar 2015 - 146,224 miles

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