Why Is the RUF CTR 2 Sport So Coveted Among Collectors?
Ask any Porsche enthusiast about the rarest, most desirable 911-based cars, and the RUF CTR 2 Sport will almost certainly make the shortlist. Only 14 examples ever rolled out of RUF’s Pfaffenhausen workshop, making it a unicorn even among rare exotics. But what really sets the CTR 2 Sport apart isn’t just its scarcity—it’s the blend of motorsport DNA and street-legal usability that’s kept collectors and drivers alike spellbound for decades.
Let’s break it down: RUF, a German manufacturer with full automaker status, has been reimagining and turbocharging Porsches since the 1970s. Their cars aren’t just tuned—they’re rebuilt from the ground up, often surpassing the performance and engineering of the original models. The CTR 2 Sport, introduced in the late 1990s, was the first RUF model officially sold in the United States, based on the 993-generation 911. That alone gives it a special place in automotive history.
What Makes the CTR 2 Sport a Performance Legend?
Under the rear decklid sits a 3.6-liter air-cooled, twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, inspired by the legendary Porsche 962 Group C race car. We’re talking 580 horsepower—an astonishing figure for the era, and still impressive today. Power is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission in this particular example, though rear-wheel drive was also available. The result? Pure magic. Zero to sixty in under four seconds, and a top speed north of 210 mph, according to period tests and RUF’s own data.
But the numbers only tell half the story. The CTR 2 Sport was engineered for the track but tamed for the road. Adjustable Bilstein PSS10 coilovers, integrated roll cages, and lightweight construction made it a favorite for hill climb events and endurance races. In fact, Frank Beddor, the original owner of this specific car, commissioned it for competition at the 1997 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. That’s not just pedigree—that’s real-world racing heritage.
How Has This Car’s Provenance Boosted Its Value?
Provenance can make or break a collector car’s value, and this CTR 2 Sport’s story is a case study in why. After its stint with the Beddor family—well-known in Porsche racing circles—the car was sold to a New Jersey collector in 2007. It then returned to RUF’s factory for a bespoke green leather interior, new racing seats, an upgraded steering wheel, and a full mechanical refresh. The odometer now reads just 16,679 miles, a testament to careful stewardship rather than museum-level neglect.
Recent auction results for RUF’s other icons, like the CTR Yellowbird fetching $6.1 million, have only stoked the flames. Experts at Broad Arrow Auctions estimate this CTR 2 Sport will command between $3 million and $3.5 million at Monterey Car Week—a price that reflects both its rarity and its impeccable history. For context, that’s more than 15 times its original value, mirroring broader trends in the collector car market where provenance and limited production are king.
What Sets the Driving Experience Apart From Other Supercars?
There’s fast, and then there’s RUF fast. The CTR 2 Sport isn’t just about straight-line speed; it’s about the visceral, analog connection between driver and machine. The six-speed manual is mechanical and precise, the steering is unfiltered, and the turbocharged flat-six delivers a relentless surge of power that’s as intoxicating today as it was in the 90s.
Unlike many modern supercars, the CTR 2 Sport doesn’t hide its rawness behind electronics. There’s no traction control, no digital nannies—just you, the road, and a chassis honed by decades of motorsport experience. Owners often describe it as a car that rewards skill and punishes overconfidence. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who crave authenticity, it’s a dream come true.
How Does the RUF CTR 2 Sport Compare to Other Collector Cars?
When you stack it up against other blue-chip collectibles—think Ferrari F40, McLaren F1, or even Porsche’s own 959—the CTR 2 Sport holds its own. Its production numbers are lower than most, its performance is on par, and its racing pedigree is unimpeachable. What’s more, RUF’s reputation for engineering excellence means these cars are as robust as they are rare.
According to Hagerty’s 2024 market report, demand for analog, race-bred supercars from the 1990s has surged by over 30% in the past five years. The CTR 2 Sport sits at the intersection of this trend: analog, turbocharged, and with a backstory that reads like a motorsport fairy tale.
Why Is Now the Time to Pay Attention to RUF’s Rarest Creations?
With only 14 CTR 2 Sports ever made, opportunities to acquire one are few and far between. As the collector market matures, cars with genuine motorsport history and factory support are increasingly prized. The upcoming Monterey Car Week auction is more than just a sale—it’s a spotlight on a car that represents the pinnacle of 1990s engineering and the enduring appeal of analog performance.
The big takeaway? Chasing the perfect collector car isn’t about finding something flawless—it’s about recognizing the value in rarity, history, and the stories that come with each machine. If you’re lucky enough to see a RUF CTR 2 Sport in person, take a moment to appreciate what it stands for: a time when passion, ingenuity, and a healthy disregard for limits created legends. Start with one deep dive into a car’s backstory this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference in what truly makes a collectible by month’s end.