Founded as a general service garage and mechanical repair shop, RUF Automobile GmbH has evolved into an world-class automobile manufacturer of finely engineered supercars based on the Porsche 911.

Introduced in 1998, the RUF Turbo R was based on the 993-generation Porsche 911 Turbo. While appearing similar to the standard Porsche model, the Turbo R was distinguished by a revised front bumper, more aerodynamic door mirrors, and 18" RUF five-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, the Turbo R featured sport seats, a RUF steering wheel, and RUF green-lettered gauges. A proprietary Integrated Roll Cage (IRC) added chassis stiffness in addition to providing greater occupant safety. The suspension received firmer coil springs, altered shocks, and larger anti-roll bars. Upgraded brakes provided increased stopping power, while gear ratios of the six-speed manual transaxle were revised.

While retaining the 3.6-liter displacement of the 993 Turbo, the Turbo R engine received modified KKK turbochargers, new camshafts, an additional oil cooler, and a revised exhaust system. Reprogrammed by RUF, a Bosch Motronic ECUcontrolled fuel injection, ignition, and turbo pressure management. Developing 490 hp at 5,500 rpm and 478 lbs./ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm – contrasted with 408 hp and 398 lbs./ft. for the standard model – the enhanced engine helped propel the Turbo R to a claimed 0–60 mph time of 3.6 seconds, and 204 mph top speed.

This 1998 RUF Turbo R is presented in the eye-catching Porsche factory color of Blutorange – or Blood Orange in English – over a black leather and fabric interior with lightweight bucket seats, rear-seat delete, and signature RUF Integrated Roll Cage among its amenities. Featuring a six-speed manual transaxle coupled with all-wheel drive, the first three digits of this Turbo R’s vehicle identification number – W09 – signify that this example was built from the ground up at RUF’s Pfaffenhausen factory in period and is not a conversion performed later.

According to documentation on file, this Turbo R was originally completed by RUF in 1998 and delivered to its first owner, Heinz-Jürgen Hartmann of Reiskirchen, Germany. The Turbo R would later be exported and reside under Swedish ownership for a period. During its previous ownership, this Turbo R was returned to the RUF factory to be extensively upgraded to a specification more similar to the even higher-performing Turbo R Limited from 2016, which utilized newer technology and technical know-how learned since the production of the original Turbo R.

An invoice on file confirms a total cost of €111,964 for work performed by RUF in 2021. New OEM headlamps and taillights were installed, along with redesigned CTR2 front and rear bumpers featuring extra venting slats. Larger 19" RUF five-spoke alloy wheels supplanted the original 18" wheels. Inside, the original seats were recovered, alongside new carpets and a RUF Classic sound system. Mechanically, this Turbo R received a Bilstein PSS10 adjustable coil-over suspension system and carbon ceramic brakes, while the engine was revised to an elevated “560 PS horsepower” specification. The reworked engine was subsequently dyno-tested by RUF at 551 hp at 6,000 rpm and 510 lbs./ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm – a useful increase of 61 and 42 respectively over the already stout Turbo R’s standard specification.

Displaying just 13,803 miles at the time of cataloguing, this example presents in beautiful condition throughout with little to show in the way of wear. This US-specification Turbo R also benefits from meticulous show-quality detailing performed under current ownership, and comes with its owner’s manual, tools, jack, air compressor, original delivery accessories, dyno sheet, invoices, and RUF Zertifikat. Believed to be one of approximately 15 examples originally constructed by RUF, this rare, factory-upgraded Blood Orange Turbo R strongly evokes the bygone analog, air-cooled era, yet offers styling and performance that challenge the latest generation of supercars.