It isn't hard to see why Ruf continues to thrive. For decades now, it's catered to those customers for whom the standard Porsche offering just isn't enough, and done a very successful job of it as well. Now, with 911s available from the factory like the mesmerising GT3 and all-conquering Turbo S, Ruf has understandably changed tact, offering models like the retro-themed SCR for those customers that want a taste of the Porsche old school. But with 500hp. And you only need look to California to gauge demand for those kind of cars...
Though Ruf is inextricably linked with its original Yellowbird almost 35 years after making it, there's no such thing as a run-of-the-mill sports car from Pfaffenhausen. They're all pretty awesome in some form or another, as evidenced by the money they command and the fact that Ruf is an officially recognised vehicle manufacturer in Germany. You don't get that sort of status just bolting on bodykits and cranking up boost.
As a dedicated manufacturer, it means that Rufs get their own dedicated VINs, a 'W09' number instead of a Porsche 'WP' VIN. Once upon a time, however, Ruf was building its own W09 cars and converting WP models originally built by Porsche. Understandably, those genuine Ruf builds from back in the day are more coveted.
As one of those cars with the desirable VIN, this BTR2 is already pretty special - just 18 of the 420hp, turbocharged 993s were made between 1993 and 1998. But it gets even more desirable, as this Ruf was first commissioned for a customer in Singapore, meaning it's right-hand-drive. It's believed just three BTR2s were not left-hand-drive, and in a stunning shade of Aventurine Green, it probably isn't a stretch to say this is a unique Ruf.
Now registered in the UK and restored - it's had a glass-out respray and some new wheels, both of which look stunning, as well as mechanical work - the BTR2 is for sale at Ruf in Kent. Apparently it's "now ready for its new owner to drive and enjoy immediately", which is great, but it's going to take anyone some time to stop gawping at it first. By and large, the Ruf aesthetic is discreet given the performance - the most notable changes here are the bumpers and the rear spoiler - which has helped them age nicely. A Gemballa is all well and good for being silly, but the sophisticated look of something like this BTR has probably won more fans over the years. And which still looks superb more than a quarter of a century later. The 993 is already peak 911 for a lot of people; a Ruf-built version with more power than the contemporary Turbo, in this condition, will be manna from heaven.
The recent work and reasonable mileage of almost 50,000km means the next owner of RUF 911S - the plate is included for your quarter of a million - will have no excuse not to drive it. A 993 with more power than a 992 Carrera (and more torque than a Carrera S) promises to be a thrilling drive in all situations; plus, if it turns out to be a touch too thrilling, it'll be almost as wonderful just to sit and look at.
SPECIFICATION | RUF BTR2
Engine: 3,600cc, flat-six, turbocharged
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 420@5,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 435@4,800rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1995
Recorded mileage: 30,000
Price new: N/A
Price now: £249,995
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