Ruf is responsible for some of the craziest 911-based creations but every time we come across one of their older models, we just can’t wrap our heads around their absurdity. Take this 1997 Ruf CTR2 Sport for example; It’s based on the 993 and it comes with a monstrous 702 HP engine, among other terrifying things.
If you belong to the generation that spent considerable amounts of time on Gran Turismo 2, that yellow swollen not-a-Porsche 911 with the gigantic double-decker wing will definitely ring a bell or two as it was the second most expensive road-legal car in the game and it went like a bat out of hell.
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This specific example is the first of the 16 wide-body CTR2 Sport models produced by Ruf and the 11th CTR2. It’s also one of just two cars built for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, which explains why there are so many modifications compared to the “regular” CTR2s.
The bodywork’s new front fenders, sill extensions, rear decklid, and dual wing are made out of composite materials while the front decklid and doors are made out of carbon fiber. The adjustable double-decker wing is also designed to feed more air into the intercoolers in addition to trying to keep the rear pinned to the tarmac.
Then there’s the engine; the standard Ruf CTR2 models had the 3.6-liter flat-six engine of the 993 Turbo fitted with bigger twin KKK turbos, making them good for 520 HP but the Sport derivative here has upgraded internals from Ruf, including titanium connecting rods and a lighter flywheel, boosting the output to a surreal 702 HP and 575 lb-ft of torque. In a car that tips the scales at just 2,807 lbs (1273 kg). Add to that Ruf’s own six-speed manual transmission with shorter gear ratios and you get a small idea of how wild this car must be to drive.
RM Sotheby’s is currently offering this truly rare piece of German craziness in an online auction that will close on June 11. The sale estimate? Somewhere between €640,000 to €720,000 ($725k to $815k).
As you might have seen already, this Ruf CTR2 Sport is not what one might describe as a “garage queen”. Contrary to the rarest exotica of the 90s, this car actually spent the majority of its life racing in club events in the US and Canada. In fact, it enjoyed podium finishes in its class for 76 percent of all the events it competed at the hands of its original owner while still remaining road legal.
The car was also made EU-road legal by its second owner, who exported it to Germany and had an extra silencer fitted to the exhaust, with the CTR2 Sport now making “just” 591.5 HP on pump gas. The engine was also completely overhauled by Ruf, which added a water injection system, while Öhlins refreshed the motorsport-grade adjustable suspension. The car has covered 9,000 miles since then.
Just when you thought of the last 911 GT2 RS as a spectacular beast with its 690 HP, this Ruf comes over and reminds you they’ve been there 23 years ago.