RUF Automobile GmbH, whether offering its a-la-carte modification regimen or hand-crafting astonishing sports cars from bodies-in-white or on bespoke chassis, has always paired incredible engineering with demanding build standards unrivaled by similar firms in the global marketplace. Within just six years of incorporation, the German government had taken notice of the superior quality of RUF’s operation, upgrading the company’s legal standing from an aftermarket tuning house to an official automobile manufacturer in 1981. Since the release of their first house-built automobile in 1983, RUF has refined each successive generation of Porsche-based products to the limits of perfection.

Introduced by RUF in 1998, the Turbo R filled the hole in the company’s lineup after they discontinued their CTR2 supercar. Like its predecessor, the Turbo R is based on the Turbo version of the 993-generation Porsche 911. Available between 1998 and 2002, these special, hand-built automobiles are powered by an exclusive, RUF-developed variant of Porsche’s hallowed 3.6-liter, M64/60 flat-six-cylinder engine, which the madmen at Pfaffenhausen have stuffed with a larger pair of twin turbochargers, more aggressive camshafts, a custom ECU, and freer-breathing exhaust to produce 483 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. With a variety of gear ratios for its six-speed manual transaxle, contemporary press materials declare that the Turbo R tops out at more than 204 miles per hour, provided that the “long” gear set has been fitted. Handling dynamics and acceleration are expectedly superb, with 60 miles per hour arriving in less than 3.5 seconds from a standstill.

This Grand Prix White-over-black 1998 RUF Turbo R—offered here from the personal collection of RUF’s sole North American agent—is quite possibly the world’s ultimate air-cooled street machine. A true, original RUF Turbo R is an exceedingly rare acquisition; just 15 examples were produced by the Pfaffenhausen factory, which are distinguishable by their unique “W09” VIN prefix, and full suite of RUF modifications unique to each client’s original specifications.

This Turbo R’s unique build specifications include an integrated roll cage cleverly wrapped in black leather, full Bilstein for RUF sports suspension, 19-inch aluminum center-lock wheels, as well as RUF’s modern carbon ceramic brake package that features six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers finished in matching Acid Green paint. The standard 993-generation rain gutters have also been shaved from the car’s tub, giving observers perhaps the subtlest clue as to its special pedigree. Special carbon fiber front and rear bumpers and fenders feature integrated heat extractors and hidden oil coolers to provide the car’s engine and brakes with ample cooling.

Additionally, this Turbo R has been equipped from new with the RUF-developed six-speed manual transaxle that is paired with an all-wheel drive system—one of just four so-equipped examples believed to have been built by RUF in period. Interestingly, it does not feature the adjustable torque-vectoring controls seen on some Turbo R and CTR2 examples; it would therefore stand to reason that this particular Turbo R is a pure all-wheel drive machine—ready to launch at the drop of its clutch. Operating in concert with its tractable and effortless, yet ferocious, powerplant, the model’s sporting chassis delivers direct response and a firm, supple ride; it seems difficult to imagine this RUF going in any direction, except that which its driver intends.

In October 2022, the consignor sent this Turbo R back to Pfaffenhausen for an additional $88,000 of upgrades which included a new 560-horsepower tune and a larger set of twin-turbochargers, as well as a full retrimming of the cabin to its current state and the fitment of the 19-inch wheels which it wears today. These mechanical upgrades have unlocked a whole new level of performance.

The car’s rich black leather interior is furnished with many desirable RUF fittings, including a pair of harness-ready carbon fiber sport seats trimmed with Acid Green leather inserts and Acid Green contrast stitching. The driver is urged to put the car’s exotic powertrain to its potential by a set of brilliantly crafted billet aluminum pedals and high-contrast RUF gauges, while the matching shift knob is ergonomically positioned to provide the ideal throw for executing quick, crisp gear changes through the Turbo R’s transaxle. The black leather-and-Acid Green upholstery theme continues to the small-diameter RUF sports steering wheel, shift boot, dashboard, and lightweight door cards; put simply, the visual continuity and quality of the car’s interior finishes are second-to-none.

An updated head unit with Bluetooth, CarPlay, and USB capabilities allows occupants to enjoy all the comforts and conveniences of a modern automobile.

The opportunity to acquire any RUF Turbo R is unlikely to repeat itself with any regularity. Very few examples were produced, and well-sorted ones almost never come up for sale on account of their splendid drivability. With just 3,276 miles indicated since its most recent suite of comprehensive upgrades, and now offered from the personal collection of RUF’s sole North American agent, this stunning Turbo R is ready to embarrass any number of more recent supercars with its otherworldly traction and incredible power delivery.