Originally established as an automotive repair shop in Pfaffenhausen, Germany, RUF has been building and modifying Porsche-based vehicles since 1974. The brand gained international acclaim in July 1987 when its twin-turbocharged CTR, famously known as “Yellowbird,” dominated Road & Track magazine’s Top Speed Shootout. Competing against legends like the Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Countach, and Porsche 959 at Volkswagen’s test track, the Yellowbird achieved a record-breaking top speed of 211 mph and a 0–60 mph time of 3.6 seconds, solidifying its legendary status.

In 1996, RUF unveiled the CTR2, the successor to the Yellowbird. Based on the 993-generation Porsche 911, each CTR2 was constructed from a narrow-body 993 shell supplied by Porsche as a “body in white.” This design choice reflected the vision of Alois Ruf Jr., RUF’s chairman, who favored the narrow body for improved aerodynamic efficiency.

The transformation included a reshaped front bumper with composite materials, larger air intakes, re-engineered side sills, shaved rain gutters, and sleeker rearview mirrors. The widened rear featured a redesigned deck lid with an air intake inlet for the induction air box.

A defining feature of the CTR2 was its taller, bi-functional rear spoiler, which included an integrated duct to channel airflow to twin intercoolers positioned behind the rear wheels. This was complemented by a redesigned composite rear bumper, which housed twin central exhaust pipes and additional vents for engine cooling.

Inside, the CTR2 combined performance and comfort with leather-clad bucket seats, air-conditioning, electric windows, and a standard Integrated Roll Cage (IRC) – reinforcing its dual role as a road car and track-ready machine.

The CTR2’s engine, derived from the 993 Turbo’s 3.6-liter unit, was blueprinted and extensively upgraded. Key enhancements included larger BorgWarner K26/27 turbochargers, bigger intercoolers, sharper camshafts, new pistons, an auxiliary oil cooler, an optimized exhaust system, and TAGtronic engine management, similar to that used in the McLaren F1. Power was delivered via a revised six-speed Getrag manual transaxle with optimized gear ratios and a limited-slip differential with 60% lockup. The suspension was fine-tuned with Eibach springs, Bilstein dampers, and stiffer anti-roll bars. Braking was handled by effective Brembo discs all around, while 18" forged magnesium wheels completed the package.

Delivering power to the rear wheels or through an available all-wheel-drive system, the new engine produced 520 hp at 5,800 rpm and 505 lbs./ft. of torque at just 4,000 rpm. Claimed to accelerate from 0–60 mph in 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 217 mph, the CTR2 rivaled supercar contemporaries like the Lamborghini Diablo, Ferrari F50, and Jaguar XJ220.

In Road & Track’s February 1997 issue, writer Dennis Simanaitis was left astounded by the CTR2’s impressive performance figures and agreeable, tractable nature, noting that “a couple of tenths” could likely be shaved from the 3.6-second 0–60 mph time, and suggesting “there’s every reason to believe the Silver Flash is capable of an honest 350 km/h (217 mph) or more.”

According to RUF documentation on file, this 1997 CTR2 was delivered new to Japan in November 1997. One of 18 examples built, it also stands out as the sole CTR or CTR2 finished in Adriatic Blue, a vibrant early Porsche 911 color. Equipped with optional all-wheel drive, this CTR2 was specified with a lightweight black leather interior, carbon fiber bucket seats featuring body-color painted backs, a leather-wrapped roll cage, black-painted brake calipers, body-color wheel center cap logos, a premium sound system with a subwoofer, and an air bag delete option.

Spending most of its life in Japan, this CTR2 was acquired by its current owner in July 2020 and imported into the US. Under the consignor’s ownership, the CTR2 underwent a meticulous, multi-hundred-hour servicing and preparation process, ensuring its exceptional condition.

Showing 60,194 km (37,403 miles) at the time of cataloguing, this RUF CTR2 remains in highly original and well-maintained condition throughout. It is accompanied by its books, tools, jack, air compressor, delivery accessories, service invoices, RUF Zertifikat, and documentation.

In an era dominated by hybrid hypercars, the RUF CTR2 stands as a testament to the golden age of analog engineering, offering a connection to a time when performance was defined by mechanical purity over digital aids. With its rarity, performance, and pedigree, this 1997 RUF CTR2 offers a unique opportunity for discerning collectors.