RUF CTR Yellowbird '1987–1991

“The “Yellow Bird” set a world speed record and made RUF famous.”

Possibly the most famous creation from the team at Ruf Automobiles was this bright-colored Porsche 930-based machine, nicknamed the Yellowbird. Twin turbochargers and intercoolers ere attached to the 3366-cc overhead-cam flat-6, along with a Bosch Motronic fuel injection system specially created by Porsche. This resulted in an output of 463 HP at 5950 rpm and peak torque of 407.9 ft-lb at 5100 rpm. And thanks to the new aluminum body panels for the doors, fenders, and trunks, this Ruf weighed in at only 1150 kg, accounting for a staggering power-to-weight ratio of only 0.40 HP/kg.

The CTR (abbreviation of “Group C Turbo Ruf“)

In 1987, Ruf machine blew away the competition in a magazine-hosted top-speed competition, as the Yellowbird trounced its much-heralded competitors from the likes of AMG, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, topping out at a blistering 342 km/h.

It was the fastest road going car when it was born.

But this particular Ruf CTR could handle the curves as well as it could launch itself at a high speed in a straight line. Although the suspension geometry remained unchanged from that of the stock Porsche, many bits were composed from higher-grade materials. Other improvements included new Bilstein shocks, better brakes, and ventilated discs all around. New 170inch tires/wheels, 215/45VR-17s up front with 255/40VR-17s at the rear, rounded out what was then (and perhaps even now) the greatest Ruf ever built.

Only 29 were produced from the sratch. Other were converted from customer’s cars.

Turbo boost can be tuned manually from saloon.