Following its predecessor’s footsteps, the RUFs CTR2 brought mind-bending performance to the 993-generation 911 Turbo platform. In road-going guise, these cars were tuned to produce 520 bhp from their 3.6-litre flat six. Other improvements included Kevlar body panels, lightweight glass, stripped out interiors, and revised suspension and brakes.

This CTR2 Sport was the very first example of its kind, one of just two built for the 1997 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and featured numerous modifications above and beyond RUFs “regular” CTR2s. Outside, the front fenders, rear decklid, dual rear wings, and sill-extensions were made of composite materials, whilst the front decklid and doors were constructed of carbon fiber. Its rear dual-level adjustable spoiler served not just to produce downforce, but also direct airflow to the intercoolers below. The fully independent and adjustable suspension was crafted by Öhlins using motorsport-grade components.

Undoubtably, the most incredible component is the engine. RUF upgraded the standard CTR2 engine with titanium connecting rods and a lightweight flywheel, upping power to a monstrous 702 bhp with 575 ft. lbs. of torque. This was mated to a specially built RUF six-speed manual gearbox with shorter gear ratios for lightning quick acceleration. Tipping the scales wet at just 2,807 lbs., the car’s performance was, and remains, extraordinary.

Interestingly and exceptionally, this RUF was built to meet Pikes Peak and FIA regulations as well as being street legal. To visibly highlight this versatility, Beddor made a point of driving this CTR2sport around town at every race venue.

Over the course of the next decade, Beddor continued to race the CTR at a variety of club-level events, mostly at Porsche Club of America Club Racing and historic events throughout the US and Canada. The CTR2 Sport was driven on many celebrated tracks, including Virginia International Raceway, Watkins Glen, Road America, Laguna Seca, Sebring, Mosport, and Mont Tremblant. Beddor and his RUF enjoyed much success, securing podium finishes in his class in a whopping 76% of events entered.

Acquired by the consignor from Steve Beddor through RUF, in his ownership the car was exported to and made road legal in Germany by fitting an extra silencer to the exhaust, now producing 591.5 bhp on pump gas. Furthermore, the engine was completely overhauled by RUF and fitted with a water injection system and the suspension was overhauled by Öhlins. It has been driven 9,000 km since. The car is accompanied by an impressive history file, including printed copies of all race results, period photos including of the car being built, complete build specifications, RUF maintenance from 2001-2007, and a variety of other documentation.

An article published in Grassroots Motorsports magazine in February 2009 quoting Beddor perhaps sums up the CTR2 Sport best.

“Upon arriving at the Rennsport Reunion at Daytona International Speedway…event organizers initially put Steve in the run group that seemed appropriate for a street-legal car. After that first devastating practice session, Rennsport organizer and longtime Porsche racer Brian Redman kicked Steve up to the fastest run group.

"‘At the time, we were sharing the track with 962s, some of the fastest cars Porsche has ever created,” Steve explains. “By the time we had reached the beginning of [NASCAR] Turn 3 on the very first lap, I had it floored. I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God! I’m going to catch a 962—in the straight!’ My cheeks were sore from smiling.’”

Arguably one of the most iconic RUFs ever built, this car helped to cement RUFs position as an aftermarket tuner and manufacturer worldwide, by proving the car’s reliability and outright performance in the crucible of motorsport. An excellent acquisition for any Porsche collection, it begs to be returned to the track, as well as the open road.