Chassis No. W09BD0382CPR06147

With extraordinarily limited production and earth-shattering performance figures, one could be forgiven for considering RUF Automobile a manufacturer of Porsches for the true connoisseur... after all, the German company's products aren't even officially considered "Porsches," having been designated an independent manufacturer by German authorities since the early 1980s. Such is the extent of the bespoke execution of its cars, which far exceeds the mere modifications of a tuning company. Following the legendary sideways video of a CTR Yellowbird on the Nürburgring in 1989, RUF's legendary reputation has only grown throughout the generations and, in more recent years, its presence has been felt globally beyond the elite circle of fortunate clients to become a mainstay of the collector car world.

RUF's Rt 12 model is a particularly pivotal one in the company's history, introduced in 2004 as the first truly ground-up build by RUF in its history, utilizing the Porsche 997 platform as its basis. Power is derived from a 3.8-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder, putting out anywhere between about 550 hp and well over 700 hp! The bodywork was heavily modified as well, partially executed in carbon fiber for improved design, functionality and aerodynamics at high speed, whereas the attractive RUF wheels were met with an improved braking system. All told, the car was capable of zero-to-60 times below four seconds and a top speed around 220 mph, depending on specification.

Not only is the RUF we have the pleasure of presenting here a particularly desirable Rt 12, but it is surely among the very best and most sought-after examples. While RUF offered an "S" specification, which boosted horsepower to about 670 bhp, this particular car benefits from the top-spec "R" designation, good for almost 730 bhp and mated to a six-speed transmission, here with four-wheel drive. The stunning "Candy Apple" red finish is quite striking and the car is also understood to be the only Rt 12 R completed with the "S Optics" package, which is to say the interior and exterior were built to "Rt 12 S" specification, most notably the more conservative rear wing for street use. Additional options above and beyond the base price included Park Assist, automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor, tire pressure monitoring system, HomeLink, a power seat package, seat backs in black leather to match the upholstery, and additional interior leather upholstery elements likewise finished in black.

All told, Rt 12 production is extremely low, with each car having been built to the discerning specifications of its owner. It is understood that only about nine RT 12 Rs were ever built for worldwide production of which, again, this is the only one with the "S Optics" package. Considering its remarkably low mileage of only about 8,500 indicated miles and the recent service work it received, this is surely one of the most desirable RUF motor cars on the market, offered from the final year of extremely limited production.