Originally established as a general service garage in Pfaffenhausen, Germany, in 1939, RUF Automobile GmbH later evolved into a Porsche specialist and tuner during the late 1970s. Receiving TÜV certification in 1981 from the German government allowing it to manufacture cars under its name, RUF began to launch its own stylized and elevated Porsche-based models shortly thereafter.
Unveiled in 2006, the RUF RK Coupe – standing for RUF Kompressor – was based on the Type 987.1 Porsche Cayman S. A derivative of the RUF R/RK Spyder introduced in 2005, the RK Coupe was another collaboration with Studiotorino, an Italian design house with deep coachbuilding roots. Penned by Aldo Brovarone, the designer responsible for the Ferrari 250 LM, Daytona, and Dino during his tenure as Pininfarina’s Head of Styling, the RK Coupe was distinguished from the Cayman via a restyled roof panel without side rear windows and a new carbon fiber trunk lid with vertical rear screen, an homage to the Porsche 904 GTS. Other changes included new front and rear bumpers, rear flashes inspired by the Porsche 550 Spyder, an external competition-style fuel filler, and custom-made three-piece alloy wheels. The suspension was optimized with firmer springs and altered shocks, while enlarged 330 mm Brembo disc brakes increased stopping power.
A 3.8-liter flat-six engine sourced from the 997-generation Carrera S was substituted for the Cayman’s original 3.4-liter unit. Boosted by a centrifugal supercharger with intercooler, redesigned intake manifolds, reprogrammed engine management system, and bespoke sport exhaust system, the enhanced engine developed 440 hp at 7,000 rpm, and 369 lbs./ft. of torque at 5,500 rpm. Mated to RUF’s six-speed manual transaxle transferring power to the rear wheels, the RK Coupe was stated to achieve 0–60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and a 174 mph top speed.
Corroborated by documentation on file, this 2007 RUF RK Coupe is one of just two ever made and the sole-production example completed. Finished in Marmorgrau – a light grey throwback color to early Porsche hues such as Heron Grey or Dolphin Grey that can appear more off-white than grey in some lights – over a black leather interior with contrasting red stitching. Other features include lightweight carbon fiber bucket seats, Porsche Communication Management with navigation, RUF short-throw shifter, and a front-axle lift system. Displaying 6,642 miles at the time of cataloguing, this unique RK Coupe has had but one fastidious German owner from new until its acquisition by the consignor, and presents in extremely original and unmarked condition throughout.
Benefiting from a recent service, this RK Coupe is accompanied by its books, accessories, service records, RUF Zertifikat, and other documentation. Believed to have never been publicly shown or even photographed before its appearance at auction, this RK Coupe represents a very exclusive but usable blend of traditional Italian style and German engineering.
