Unusual Yellow Rufous Hummingbird Bucks Typical Color Pattern
The Ruf CTR1 Lightweight "Redbird" Porsche, one of only six extra-lean lightweight CTRs ever made, is set to be auctioned off at R.M. Sotheby's this summer. This unique and highly collectible vehicle, known for its distinctive Bordeaux Red paint and personal connection to Alois Ruf Jr., is expected to fetch between $4.5 and $5 million.
This particular Redbird CTR1 was ordered directly from Alois Ruf and sold in the German market. Unlike its more famous Yellowbird siblings, the Redbird lacks a roll cage, making it one of the lightest CTR variants Ruf has produced.
The ninth CTR built, the Redbird, boasts an extraordinary top speed of 211 mph for its era, a testament to Ruf's engineering prowess. This remarkable figure helped it secure the title of "World's Fastest Car" in a 1987 Road & Track shootout. The car's reputation was further solidified by the 1989 video "Faszination on the Nürburgring" showcasing its performance.
The Redbird is a delightful sight, with some steel body panels replaced with aluminum and a rich aroma filling its interior from the extra-light seats. Chassis reinforcements and a Ruf five-speed transmission ensure a smooth and powerful driving experience.
After being used by Alois Ruf Jr., the ninth CTR built was reportedly stored at his house and used as his personal car. It was later delivered to its first real owner. Despite no longer being in Ruf's possession, the Redbird remains a testament to his innovative spirit and the Ruf brand's commitment to high-performance engineering.
The Ruf CTR, nicknamed "Yellowbird," was a heavily customized Porsche 911 Carrera that essentially became a new car. The Redbird, while sharing the same powerful 3.4-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine, has undergone extreme weight reduction measures, eliminating features such as the center console, power brakes, sunroof, radio, and some chassis sound-deadening foam.
As one of the 29 total CTRs, six of which were Lightweight models, the Redbird stands as a significant piece of automotive history. For car enthusiasts and collectors alike, this is an opportunity to own a piece of motoring lore.
So, if you're in the market for a rare, high-performance, and historically significant vehicle, be sure to keep an eye on the Redbird Ruf CTR1 at R.M. Sotheby's auction this summer. It's more than just a car; it's a piece of automotive history.
The Redbird Ruf CTR1's distinctive features extend beyond its racing accolades, as it showcases a lifestyle emphasis on lightweight materials, showcased by the replacement of some steel body panels with aluminum.
In the realm of sports and technology, the Redbird Ruf CTR1's impressive top speed and extreme weight reduction measures have Forged a unique place in the annals of cars and motorsports history.
