By the late 1980s, Alois Ruf’s eponymous German firm was no longer a mere Porsche tuner. Granted full manufacturer status by the German government, the tides had turned for RUF in the wake of its ferocious Yellowbird CTR that amped the Porsche 911 3.2 into a 213-mph monster.

In 1988, Porsche unleashed the most sophisticated 911 ever, the 964. Its comparatively streamlined shape gave little hint as to the changes underneath. The 964 Carrera 4 guise was the world’s first four-wheel-drive 911. The 959-derived all-wheel-drive system was complex but proven, and tied to an advanced anti-lock brake system.

This black Porsche 911 offered here is no longer a mere Carrera 4, however. Ordered new by the noted Beddor clan of American hillclimbing enthusiasts and sent immediately to RUF at Pfaffenhausen, the car was first outfitted as a 385 horsepower BTR—but even that hardly describes its current status. To the tune of about $225,000 between 1992 and 1993, RUF further upgraded the engine to a next-generation turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six rated at 425 horsepower and tied to a proprietary RUF EKS automated-manual gearbox. The unique gearbox does without a conventional clutch pedal, allowing for fast, low-stress shifting. Upgraded brakes and a stiffer suspension ensure that it can tackle corners at increased velocities, and RUF also added an adjustable differential for the Carrera 4 drive system. The Beddors campaigned this unique RUF to several notable finishes in-period, until cycling unto a newer RUF offering by 1996 (as was their modus operandi).

The chassis features an integrated roll cage, sunroof-delete, airbag delete, full suite of lightweight cabin appointments, RUF-installed widebody kit, massive induction spoiler, and low-profile racing mirrors. Interestingly, the radio, air conditioning, and cabin heater have been retained for ideal comfort. In 2018, the valve timing was adjusted and the RUF-modified KKK turbocharger was fitted with new seals. More recently, the unique RUF EKS gearbox was treated to a thorough diagnosis and rebuild of its strain-gauge automation by Tim Taylor at Red Car Restorations near Dallas, Texas.

Both a significant piece of RUF’s history and a usable high-performance sports car, this BTR is designed and built for enjoyment at great speed.