This summer, RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction offers collectors a once-in-a-generation opportunity: the chance to acquire one of the most historically significant RUFs ever built—the 1989 RUF CTR1 “Yellowbird” Lightweight. As one of only six Lightweight examples ever produced and previously owned by RUF’s founder, Alois Ruf, this specific chassis is more than just a car—it’s a piece of automotive legend.
Known for redefining performance benchmarks in the late 1980s, the Yellowbird famously outpaced icons like the Porsche 959, Ferrari Testarossa, and Lamborghini Countach, achieving 0–60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 211 mph. This CTR1 Lightweight was built for German client Dr. Dietrich and features a bespoke specification finished in paint-to-sample Bordeaux Red over Nutria black leather. Enhancements include a RUF sports suspension, a custom telemetry gauge, 959-style door seals, and lightweight interior fittings.
Unlike most Yellowbirds, this car was delivered without a roll cage and instead fitted with six-point harnesses, a kill switch, and exclusive visual touches such as chrome trim and a Pfaffenhausen hood badge. These unique features make it one of the most individualized CTR1 Lightweights ever built—a true collector’s dream.
“This is a time capsule of RUF engineering at its purest,” said Gord Duff, President at RM Sotheby’s. “To find a Yellowbird with this level of personalization and provenance—driven by Alois Ruf himself—is practically unheard of. It’s a highlight not just of this auction, but of the collector car world in 2025.”
Following its delivery in 1989, the car remained under RUF’s ownership until 2005, often driven by Alois Ruf. It has since passed through several renowned collections across Germany, Austria, Belgium, and the United States. During its time in Austria, it was sent back to RUF for further enhancements, including a revised G50 transaxle and updated brakes with adjustable bias control. Today, it shows fewer than 18,900 km (~11,745 miles) and is accompanied by a comprehensive provenance file, including factory documentation, service records, and a RUF certificate of authenticity. The car is estimated between $4.5 and $5 million USD.
Joining the Yellowbird in Monterey is a spectacular 2021 RUF CTR Anniversary model, car number 25 of only 50 produced. Dressed in an eye-catching Riviera Blue paint-to-sample finish, the modern tribute to the original CTR channels its predecessor’s spirit with a contemporary, carbon-fiber monocoque chassis and 710-horsepower twin-turbo flat-six engine. Capable of reaching 224 mph, the CTR Anniversary boasts fewer than 200 miles on the odometer and features numerous carbon fiber options. It is expected to fetch between $2.8 and $3.4 million USD.
While the Yellowbird represents RUF’s analog engineering pinnacle, the CTR Anniversary embodies its digital evolution—merging retro-inspired styling with cutting-edge materials and technology. Together, they form a rare bookend to RUF’s relentless pursuit of speed, precision, and individuality.
For collectors seeking pedigree, performance, and exclusivity, both RUFs represent more than high-speed machines—they are emblems of craftsmanship and mechanical artistry. Each model tells its own story within the RUF legacy, showcasing how one independent tuner dared to outshine even Porsche in its own arena.
These cars will take center stage at RM Sotheby’s Monterey event, promising to ignite global interest from collectors and enthusiasts alike. As the auction world’s eyes turn to California this August, the spotlight is firmly on RUF—not only for the records it broke, but for the legend it built.
