How did a $5 million Ruf CTR end up dangling off a transporter in San Francisco?
It’s the kind of story that makes car lovers wince. Imagine waiting months for your freshly restored, ultra-rare Ruf CTR Yellowbird to return from Germany—only to get a call that it’s hanging nose-up off a trailer, rear bumper scraping the pavement, thanks to a simple oversight. That’s exactly what happened in San Francisco when a delivery driver forgot to block the wheels, and the world’s fastest 1980s supercar rolled right off the top deck.
What makes the Ruf CTR Yellowbird so valuable and legendary?
Let’s get this straight: the Ruf CTR isn’t just another classic Porsche. Built in the late 1980s by German tuner Ruf, fewer than 30 of these monsters exist. The Yellowbird earned its nickname from the original press car’s bright paint, but its real claim to fame is performance. With a 3.4-liter twin-turbo flat-six pushing out 463 horsepower, this lightweight, narrow-body Carrera-based machine could hit 213 mph—making it the world’s fastest production car in its day. For context, that’s faster than a Ferrari F40 or Lamborghini Countach. In 2024, one sold for over $6 million, a staggering 15 times its original price.
Why did this accident happen—and could it have been avoided?
Here’s where things get painfully human. According to witnesses, the CTR had just returned from a repaint at Ruf’s German HQ, arriving in San Francisco for its final delivery. The driver, perhaps distracted or in a rush, neglected to use wheel chocks on the upper deck of the transporter. Gravity did the rest. The car rolled backward, teetered off the ramp—about eight feet in the air—and left the delivery guy trapped inside, nose pointed skyward. It’s a textbook case of how even seasoned professionals can make costly mistakes when basic safety steps are skipped.
How bad is the damage, and what happens next?
Photos and videos circulating on social media show the CTR’s rear bumper and exhaust pressed against the ground, with the ramp biting into its floorpan. While the full extent of the damage isn’t public yet, experts say that even a low-speed drop like this can mean serious trouble for the chassis, suspension, and underbody. For a car this rare, repairs aren’t just about money—they’re about authenticity. Any major fix could impact its value, and sourcing original parts is a headache. Still, with values north of $5 million, you can bet the owner will do whatever it takes to restore it.
What lessons can collectors and transporters take from this?
Incidents like this are a wake-up call for anyone moving high-value vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, improper loading and securing of vehicles is a leading cause of transport accidents. For rare classics, the stakes are even higher. Experts recommend double-checking wheel chocks, using soft straps to avoid paint damage, and always having a spotter when unloading. Some collectors even insist on closed, single-car trailers and specialist carriers with classic car insurance. It’s not paranoia—it’s protecting an irreplaceable investment.
Are these kinds of accidents common with rare cars?
Surprisingly, yes. Every year, insurance companies report millions in claims from transport mishaps, especially with classic and exotic cars. Just last spring, a hypercar worth over $2 million suffered a similar fate in Europe. The difference here is the sheer rarity and value of the Ruf CTR. With fewer than 30 built and only a handful in the US, every incident feels like a loss for automotive history.
What’s the real impact on the collector car community?
Beyond the financial hit, accidents like this ripple through the enthusiast world. The Ruf CTR isn’t just a car—it’s a symbol of 1980s engineering bravado, a legend that inspired a generation of tuners and racers. Seeing one in peril is a gut punch for fans. But it also sparks important conversations about preservation, responsibility, and the need for meticulous care when handling automotive icons.
The big takeaway? Protecting rare cars isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week—maybe double-check your transport checklist or review your insurance—and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.