Founded in 1939 and recognized as an independent automobile manufacturer in 1981, RUF evolved from a family-run service operation into one of the world’s most respected high-performance marques. While best known for its 911-based creations, RUF has long embraced unconventional projects, a philosophy that ultimately gave rise to the singular 928R offered here.
According to a RUF plaque inside its engine compartment, this 928R was originally commissioned by the late Lee Kun-Hee, the former chairman of Samsung Group. His renowned car collection focused on automobiles of technological significance and featured one-off, bespoke cars produced especially for him by the world’s greatest manufacturers.
The sole W09-VIN 928 manufactured by RUF, the 928R was completed at the firm’s Pfaffenhausen workshops in September 1989, having been constructed from a Porsche-supplied body-in-white. Finished in Black over a Wine Red leather interior with complementary stitching, the cabin features embossed headrests, a three-spoke sport steering wheel trimmed in Alcantara, and discreet RUF-specific details. Other appointments on the 928R include an electric sliding sunroof, automatic climate control, cruise control, a tinted windshield, rear wiper, and rear-seat air-conditioning.
Displacing 5.0 liters, the Porsche M28/42 V-8 engine features double-overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, and was further enhanced with RUF-specific tuning to deliver increased performance. Output is quoted on the car’s RUF Zertifikat at 360 hp and approximately 354 lbs./ft. of torque, a meaningful increase over the standard 928 S4, which was rated at approximately 316 hp and 317 lbs./ft. of torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission.
Retained within the Samsung Collection for many years, this 928R is believed to have been reacquired by RUF in Pfaffenhausen a number of years ago. Around 2021, the car is reported to have undergone a mechanical recommissioning, during which time it was fitted with 19″ RUF five-spoke alloy wheels to accommodate a RUF carbon ceramic disc brake system. An updated exhaust system was also installed and the car received a RUF classic radio.
Offered with books, tool kit, jack, air compressor, first aid kit, and RUF Zertifikat, this 928R indicated a mere 1,568 miles at the time of cataloguing. Presenting in beautiful condition throughout, and developed for impressive, enhanced performance, the sale of this singular example offers a truly unrepeatable opportunity to acquire a rare and intriguing sports car: the only 928 ever manufactured by RUF.
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