Porsche RUF BTR

The first model with a RUF-specific “W09” chassis number was the 1983 BTR. Standing for Gruppe B Turbo RUF, the Porsche 911 G-series-based BTR was made available in several configurations including narrow body or wide body, coupe or convertible, with each starting life as a naked body shell or converted from an existing customer car. Although modifications were dependent on the customer’s wishes, the BTR was generally distinguished by a new, deeper front bumper, valances, 935-style door mirrors, and five-spoke RUF Speedline alloy wheels.

Featuring a thoroughly reworked Porsche flat-six engine at its heart, the BTR represented RUF’s continuing dedication to high-performance engineering. Enlarged to 3.4-liter displacement via new pistons and cylinders with full-diameter air-cooling fins for increased heat dissipation, the turbocharged powerplant was mated to a RUF five-speed gearbox – when Porsche’s Type 930 only possessed four forward gears – offering a higher top speed, improved acceleration, and a reduction in turbo lag. Other enhancements included sharper camshafts, an added oil cooler, a larger and more efficient intercooler, a redesigned exhaust system, and a lowered, stiffer suspension.

Developing 374 hp at 6,000 rpm and 350 lbs./ft. of torque in its original, base form, the BTR was capable of achieving 0–60 mph in 4.7 seconds and a 190 mph top speed. Named “World’s Fastest Car” by Road & Track magazine in its September 1984 issue, the BTR put the supercar world firmly on notice. Built in limited numbers from 1983 to 1989, RUF continually developed the model with a later BTR II receiving a larger KKK K27 turbocharger that helped deliver more power. A very late-production, third-series BTR III added a RUF-reprogrammed Bosch Motronic fuel injection system, while a RUF-developed six-speed manual transaxle from the even more extreme CTR “Yellowbird” was made available.

This late-production 1990 RUF BTR III was ordered new by gallerist Hans-Guenter Hörschelmann of Ochsenfurt, Germany, and first delivered in December 1989. As per its Certificate of Authenticity, this BTR III was finished in the RUF signature color of Tiefseegrün (Deep Sea Green) over a complementary green leather interior, and equipped with the stronger 440 hp engine. The preferred body style of Alois Ruf Jr., on account of its aerodynamic benefits, this BTR III is also said to be one of approximately five narrow-body coupes constructed by the factory.

As described in correspondence on file from the RUF factory, this BTR III was also specified with RUF CTR 330 mm brakes, a higher capacity 105-liter fuel tank, an adjustable in-cabin turbo boost knob, and the desirable six-speed manual transaxle with limited-slip differential. Other choices selected included supportive Recaro LS sport seats with manual adjustments, silver-painted 17″ alloy RUF wheels, an alarm system, and a Blaupunkt Bremen radio.

After several years in the care of its original owner, this BTR is believed to have been acquired by Karl Claß of Harburg, Germany, during the mid-to-late 1990s. During his ownership, the BTR III was periodically returned to RUF for servicing, as evidenced by receipts on file. Circa 2016, the BTR III joined the stable of prominent German collector and vintage racer Michael Willms.

Now offered from a distinguished American collection, this BTR III showed just 51,431 km – less than 32,000 miles – on its odometer when catalogued, and appears in largely original condition throughout, retaining its numbers-matching engine per factory records. In addition to the aforementioned documentation, the RUF is offered with data sheets, service invoices, books, tools, spare, and original delivery accessories.

While the exact number of BTRs produced is not known, it is thought that fewer than 30 BTRs were built from the ground up by the factory with a W09 chassis number. Far fewer were built in the attractive narrow-body configuration, or feature this car’s highly developed mechanicals and near-perfect specification. The final evolution of a model that set the stage for RUF’s legendary and closely related CTR Yellowbird, this truly uncommon BTR III evokes a never-to-be- repeated time of analog engineering and turbocharged thrills.
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