Anyone been to the RUF showroom in Bahrain?

[Erik997]

Will be in Bahrain next week with an afternoon to kill.

Not really into shopping, etc so thought I'd drop by the RUF showroom for a snoop instead.

I know its located by the F1 circuit but otherwise I can't find much recent info at all - strangely they don't even appear on the list of official dealers on the main RUF website either...?

Anyone been? Worth going?

[beach kid]

I'm also in Bahrain this week and may have some spare time, how did you get on? Is / was it worth a look?!

Any info would be great!

Best,

[EVOeng]

It is near the Bahrain International Circuit

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=Culf+Of+Bahrai...
(Location B is where RUF is)

The RUF building is just off the main entrance on Gulf of Bahrain Avenue.

Hope this helps.

Edited by EVOeng on Tuesday 22 November 16:54

[Guyr]

There's nothing to visit, it was completely shut down about 3 years ago.

[Erik997]

Guyr said:

There's nothing to visit, it was completely shut down about 3 years ago.

Thanks Guy

Did seem a bit strange that all the info I could find was a couple of years old and nothing recent plus no info on the main RUF website.

Do you know what happened? I remember the showroom being opened and lots of subsequent press.

I suppose it'll be an afternoon of shopping then... Or dodging bullets depending on the political situation!

[Guyr]

Erik997 said:

Do you know what happened? I remember the showroom being opened and lots of subsequent press.

Firstly I should preface my answer by saying that despite the fact that I know Alois Ruf, I have not discussed this directly with him.

My understanding is that the Ruf Bahrain venture was planned before the global downturn, with a view that they would expand volumes significantly and would build cars in Bahrain for both local markets and also global customers. It is rumoured that it was backed by a Ruf-loving member of the royal family (I'll leave details at that).

When the global market collapsed it was clear this business model didn't work and it was quietly shut. Personally I never felt Ruf customers would want to buy a car made there anyway. For me part of the whole Ruf purchasing process and desire was about visiting them, chatting and having the work done in the birthplace of Ruf.

[beach kid]

Its a shame RUF Bahrain fell victim to the current down turn, thanks for the background. In the event I didnt even have time to make it out to the circuit. Hope to get to have a chance on my next trip!