1998 Ruf Turbo R Cabriolet

The Porsche 993 Turbo coupe was introduced in 1995 and the RUF version arrived in 1998. RUF Automobile GmbH, founded in 1939 by Alois Ruf Sr. as a general service and automotive repair workshop, refocused its purpose in the mid-1970s under the direction of Alois Ruf Jr. In 1981, the German TÜV (Technical Inspection Association) granted RUF manufacturing status, recognizing it as an independent manufacturer, with similar acknowledgment from the US following in 1988.

After sourcing the 993-generation Turbo ('body in white') from Porsche, RUF's designers updated the front facia with vents ahead of the front wheels, added sport mirrors, and installed RUF-designed 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. Updates to the interior included sport seats, RUF-branded VDO instrumentation with the company's traditional green markings, and a RUF steering wheel. An optional integrated roll cage for additional occupant protection.

With modified KKK turbochargers, a revised exhaust system, an optimized Bosche engine control unit (ECU), and new camshafts, power rose from 408 hp at 5,750 RPM to 490 hp at 5,500 RPM. Torque rose as well, from 398 lbs-ft to 478 lbs-ft at 4,800 RPM. The chassis was strengthened for increased rigidity, and an oil cooler was positioned behind the front bumper. Updates to the suspension included larger anti-roll bars, altered shocks, and firmer springs to cope with the increase in power. Larger disc brakes provided greater stopping power. The six-speed transmission from the Porsche Turbo remained unchanged, but the gear ratios were revised.

Approximately fifteen examples of the Turbo R were manufactured at RUF's workshop in Pfaffenhausen, Germany (with a 'W09' vehicle identification number) between 1998 and 2002. Of those, only one was a cabriolet body style.

This particular Porsche is the sole RUF Turbo R Cabriolet. It was commissioned by Colonel Mark Haselton of Alpharetta, Georgia, in 2007. It was later owned by Brent Martini.

This Turbo R Cabriolet was built in 2007 using a new, unused Porsche 993 Carrera 4 Cabriolet body shell. The 3,746cc Type M64/20 SOHC Flat 6-cylinder engine with Bosch Motronic Electronic fuel injection and twin KKK turbochargers delivers 490 horsepower at 5,500 RPM. There is a six-speed manual transaxle, all-wheel drive, and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. It wears a Porsche color scheme of Tangerine (POR 18) over a contrasting black leather interior with complementary stitching in body color and a black convertible top. There are deeply bolstered Recaro sport seats, RUF aluminum pedals, and a Becker radio. Currently, there are 10,223 miles on the odometer.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2023