2002 RUF RTURBO - NURBURGRING LAP PRESS CAR

This 2002 RUF RTurbo is an astonishing bespoke version of the Porsche 996 model, which boasts unbeatable provenance and which is presented in superb condition. Not to be confused with aftermarket conversions or modifications, this is a genuine W09-code chassis, with an unmarked body-in-white directly from Porsche that was built up as a complete new car with RUF as the official manufacturer.

An incredibly rare supercar, the RTurbo was offered with three states of tune for the 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six ‘Mezger’ engine. The motor in this example produces 550bhp and 575lb-ft of torque, driving all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The performance is astonishing: the RTurbo is capable of 0-60mph in less than 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 218mph.

The RTurbo took the basic 996 shape but added a new nose section featuring additional vent slots at the top and a moulded front air dam below. The wing mirrors were changed to narrower, aerodynamically optimised RUF units, and a new electrically adjustable rear spoiler was installed. Along the flanks, the side air inlets were moved closer to the intercoolers by positioning them on top of the rear wheel arches.

At the heart of the bespoke specification was the tuned 3.6-litre motor, uprated with KKK turbochargers, a remapped engine control module, sports air filter, a modified VarioCam system, and a RUF sports exhaust system with bypass valve. Its transaxle was changed to a stronger GT2 unit, and the six-speed manual gearbox was fitted with a higher-grade clutch. Its suspension consisted of stiffer springs and specially tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, while the brakes were also upgraded with six-piston calipers.

This example was built in 2002, featuring all of the bespoke RUF body parts, including front bumper, rear spoiler, side mirrors, and air intakes. The interior features the RUF pedal set, door sills, and different instruments – featuring a speedometer that reads up to 350 km/h. The rear seats were deleted, and this car is fitted with the desirable RUF integrated roll cage, with much of the frame neatly covered by the headliner, and the remainder trimmed in Alcantara.

It was first registered on 5 August 2002, at which point it was put into service as the factory’s press and demonstrator car for the RTurbo model. Notably, this very car featured in the company’s promotional video – shown below – where it is seen being put through its paces during a lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife. A still photo from this event appears on the cover of Marc Bongers’ reference book ‘Porsche and RUF Sports Cars’, which accompanies the car.

The RTurbo offered here was formerly part of the significant collection of noted enthusiast Gerard Lopez, who is closely associated with RUF, having become a shareholder and partner in the sports car brand through his Genii Capital business in 2013. It was acquired by the current owner last year, who has driven it sparingly.

Its bodywork is presented in excellent condition, with no signs of any damage, and with flush shut lines and consistent panels gaps all around the car. The iconic Blütengelb Yellow paintwork – made famous by RUF’s CTR Yellowbird – is in great shape, with a smooth and glossy appearance. It rides on 19-inch five-spoke forged alloy RUF wheels, which present excellently, with no signs of scrapes or scratches.

Looking to the interior, the cabin still features the original lightweight bucket seats, upholstered in black leather, which are presented in very good condition, with only slight wear to the lower portion of the driver’s seat’s outer bolster. Elsewhere, black leather coats the dashboard and door cards, while the inner A-pillars and headlining are clad in grey Alcantara. Another custom-trimmed RUF item, the steering wheel is finished in black leather, with the same grey Alcantara applied to the hand grips of the rim.

The interior trim is in great condition throughout, with only a few small scuffs and scratches to the black leather sill covers, commensurate with the car’s age and mileage. It is also fitted with Schroth Racing harnesses, an Alcantara-covered integrated roll cage and a RUF short-shift mechanism, further enhancing its performance. The seller notes that all of the buttons, switches and other electrical items work without fault.

This RTurbo’s last scheduled maintenance was carried out in October 2019, which consisted of a basic service just before it was acquired by the seller. Prior to this, it received a major service in July 2016 at 46,000 km by Porsche Center Son in Norway, which the service book indicates comprised an engine rebuild and new clutch.

It had its first MOT test in the UK on 2 October 2019 at 48,370 km, when it achieved a clean pass with no advisories whatsoever. The wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres in size 225/35 ZR19 on the front and 305/25 ZR19 items on the rear. They are in good condition, with plenty of tread remaining.

Accompanying this RUF are its Porsche-branded leather document wallet, a driver’s manual, and the stamped service history book that also shows RUF Automobile GmbH as the first owner. A copy of the ‘Porsche and RUF Sports Cars’ book is also included. This car will also feature as the main cover story for the October/November 2020 issue of GT Porsche magazine, which is published on 28 August 2020.

This 2002 RUF RTurbo is a superb example of a barnstorming bespoke supercar with staggering performance. These cars are not modified Porsches, but are hand-built by a team of devoted technicians to exacting specifications from the ground up – which is why RUF models are some of the most coveted custom-made vehicles of their kind. Presented in wonderful condition, and boasting RUF company provenance that not even another RTurbo can claim, this is a deeply desirable modern classic, and an unrepeatable addition to any collection of rare 911s.

Summary of maintenance history:

• Aug 2002 – 0 miles (Build completed)
• 2004-2006 – In-house maintenance at RUF
• 2006 – Engine rebuild by RUF, odometer zeroed
• 22 Sep 2007 – 6,815 km
• 18 Jan 2010 – 17,419 km
• 25 Jan 2011 – 28,065 km
• 25 Oct 2011 – 37,368 km
• 30 Aug 2013 – 42,914 km (brake fluid)
• 29 Jul 2016 – 46,893 km

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently covered by a finance agreement, but the remaining balance will be cleared before ownership is transferred to the buyer.