German Porsche perfectionist RUF built just one example of its RCT (RUF Carrera Turbo) on a lightweight RS chassis and, three decades later, it could be yours.
The regular RUF RCT was made between 1992 and 1997 based on the 964 Carrera 2 or 4, but fitted with the firm’s own 3.6-litre turbocharged and intercooled flat six boosting power to 370 bhp. Also installed was RUF’s six-speed transaxle and a bespoke exhaust.
In 1994 RUF tried something even more special, building just one RCT from a 964 RS donor car. Starting with a more rigid seam-welded body, aluminium bonnet, rolled fenders and thinner window glass meant that this RCT was the lightest of the lot. It eschewed electric windows, air conditioning and rear seats in the quest to save weight.
The exterior was finished in Polar Silver Metallic paint, with 18-inch Speedline alloys, and whale tail spoiler, while the car’s cabin was trimmed in a mix of black leather and tartan cloth. Sporty Recaro Pole Position seats were installed, along with green VDO instruments, and a Blaupunkt Montreaux audio system.
RUF used the car as a development vehicle and press demonstrator before selling it to an enthusiast in Heinsberg, Germany who kept it until 2017. In 2021 the car was imported to the USA and is now being offered for sale on Bring A Trailer with 41,000 km (25,476 miles) on the clock and plenty of documentation, including its original Porsche factory books and RUF build certificate.
Although Porsche made close to 2,300 964 RS models this is the only example to be re-imagined by RUF, giving it true unicorn status. That’s reflected in the bidding, which at the time of writing had reached almost $600,000 (£479,000) with nine days still to go.
Should your best bid fail to win the auction then you can order a ‘new’ RCT from RUF which now offers an EVO edition with 425 bhp, and many more creature comforts than the original. If you’re worried about weight there’s even a carbon fibre body option.
