A 1989 RUF CTR "Yellowbird" sold for $6,055,000 USD at Gooding & Company's Amelia Island Auctions, establishing a new benchmark for this German performance vehicle and confirming its status as a highly sought-after collector's item.
The car, chassis number W09BT0343KPR06026, is one of just 29 CTRs ever produced and one of only nine finished in the trademark Blutengelb (Blossom Yellow) paint. This particular example features the scarce Leichtbau lightweight specification, incorporating aluminum body panels, a Matter aluminum roll cage, and the optional six-speed RUF transmission. Having covered fewer than 1,056 miles since new, the vehicle remains in exceptional original condition.
The RUF CTR first gained prominence in 1987 when it was named the world's fastest production car, reaching 211 mph during Road & Track magazine's performance testing. The car earned its "Yellowbird" nickname due to its distinctive color and the characteristic sound of its twin-turbocharged flat-six engine. Its reputation was further enhanced by RUF's notable Nürburgring film and its appearances in numerous racing video games.
The record-setting Yellowbird was sold complete with its original invoice, owner's manuals, toolkit, and RUF Zertifikat authentication. Alois and Estonia Ruf acknowledged the auction result as recognition of the CTR's lasting importance in automotive history.
The sale indicates increasing market appreciation for air-cooled performance classics, with the RUF CTR Yellowbird's combination of speed capabilities, limited production numbers, and historical significance solidifying its position among the most respected vehicles ever created.
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Alessio Forghieri
Editor with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the "Enzo Ferrari" University of Modena. Writing about cars allows me to combine my technical knowledge with my lifelong passion for automobiles. I love exploring and sharing stories about design, performance, and innovation that make every car unique.