The Ruf RGT was inspired by the 1973 Carrera RS and introduced in 2000. The first generation, built from 2000 to 2004, was based on the Porsche 996. The 996 was introduced in 1997 and replaced in 2004 by the 997. It had an all-new chassis platform, and a new water-cooled engine, and its multi-link rear suspension was from its predecessor, the 993. The styling was courtesy of Pinky Lai under Porsche design chief Harm Lagaay.

The German-based Ruf Automobile GmbH was founded in the late 1930s as 'Auto Ruf' by Alois Ruf Sr. as a service garage. His son, Alois Jr., took control of the business in 1974 following his father's death and redirected the company towards modifying Porsche vehicles. The first Ruf-modified Porsche arrived in 1975 and the first complete model in 1977. Since then, the company has produced powerful and exclusive Porsche-based production models including the famous 1987 RUF CTR which was the world's fastest production car of its time. The CTR2 that followed was the second-fastest production car of the decade, behind the McLaren F1.

The 996-based Ruf RGT came equipped with a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated flat-6 engine with 380 horsepower (increasing as the years progressed) and 300 ft-lbs of torque. Among the engine modifications were Ruf cams, exhaust, induction, and engine management system. The suspension was improved with Bilstein shocks, Ruf-modified Brembo brakes, polyurethane front air dam, and carbon fiber doors, hood, mirrors, engine lid, and spoiler. The 19-inch Superleggera wheels were wrapped with Michelin Pilot sport tires. The interior was given lightweight Recaro seats.

Ruf produced 32 examples of its 996-based RGT RS examples in 2004 and just two were sent to the United States.

In the mid-2000s, when Porsche debuted it's 997, Ruf increased the bore of the engine from 3.6- to 3.8-liters and modified the catalytic converters and exhaust, and replaced the air filter and ECU. Output rose to approximately 445 horsepower and zero-to-sixty reduced from 4.6 to 4.2 seconds. The top speed was achieved at nearly 200 mph.

Additional modifications were made throughout the vehicle including to the suspension, brakes, wheels and tires, and body.

by Dan Vaughan