Porsche RUF BTR

With the horsepower increase the BTR notched 186 mph, winning Road & Track’s inaugural ‘World’s Fastest Car’ test, besting Porsche’s 930 by 28 mph. As is clearly RUF’s style, they also went one better with their transmission, offering a 930/5-2, five-speed manual when Porsche only offered four. At that very same test Paul Frère effused praise on the RUF’s transmission, ‘the RUF-modified gear change is excellent – much better than Porsche’s standard arrangement – with shorter travel and needing less effort.’

The heart of a RUF is its powertrain, but those in Pfaffenhausen didn’t neglect the rest of this BTR. Optional body modifications included RUF’s ‘flat front conversion,’ emulating a 505 ‘Slantnose’ 930, with modifications to the front fenders and an aerodynamic valance at the front, boxed rockers down the sides, and rear fender intakes. Wheels are staggered RUF design 17-inch Speedlines, nine inches wide at the front, ten at the rear with Bridgestone RE71 tires – similar construction to those found on the Porsche 959. The interior was not without RUF’s touch as well with special RUF gauges, Recaro ‘Classic’ seats, and expected luxury amenities such as power windows, electric sliding sunroof, and air-conditioning.

While impressive, the most amazing part is this car’s high degree of originality. Through time and ownership changes many RUF automobiles have been further personalized and modified, but not so for this BTR. Only covering an indicated 7,537 miles at the time of cataloging, it is in astonishingly original condition – even featuring its original Nakamichi tape deck, tool kit, warning triangle, and HEPP medical kit. Firmly in collector car territory, this RUF BTR is a unique specimen, a 1980s supercar faster than anything when released, still satisfyingly fast today, and above all else an original RUF.