Despite the Porsche 930 Turbo being one of the fastest and most highly regarded sports cars of the 1980s, a market for specialist tuners emerged during this time with RUF and Gemballa coming to the fore. Gemballa was founded in 1981 by Uwe Gemballa, an engineer who started out creating bespoke interiors before developing a strong interest in aerodynamics and associated aftermarket products. Not before too long, Gemballa turned its attention to producing whole cars based on Porsche 930s and quickly gained a reputation for outrageous designs and performance.

The Avalanche, along with the convertible Cyrrus, debuted in 1985. With a price of 390,000 DM (nearly $700,000 in 1989), it was clearly aimed at the flaunting wealth of less conventional members of society, the most famous owner of an Avalanche being the rapper Vanilla Ice. Each Avalanche was extensively modified by Gemballa with virtually unique body panels all-round and bespoke interiors filled with the latest technology for the time. Mechanical modifications were handled by RUF with cars being finished to customer requirements.

Believed to be one of 15 examples produced, this 1986 Avalanche was one of the last built. With RUF’s involvement with the project, it is known that this Avalanche received a RUF engine with at least 375 bhp. The interior was tastefully finished in black leather to offset the metallic white of the exterior. Today, this U.S.-delivery example is presented in original and excellent condition with less than 13,800 miles since new. With the Avalanche name recently revived by Gemballa, this represents an exceedingly rare opportunity to own a significant legend of the 1980s.