Ruf BTR

[carreracat]

What makes a Ruf a Ruf? I understand that some of the very few first cars had Ruf VIN numbers, but most later cars have normal Porsche VIN numbers.

A lot of Ruf cars are of course Porsche customer cars that the owners have sent to Ruf for conversion. These, I presume are considered authentic Ruf cars.

I have found a car that was allegedly converted by Ruf Singapore - does this make it an authentic Ruf? Any idea how I can find out if it was indeed converted by Ruf Singapore, as they are no longer in business in Singapore. I have emailed Ruf Germany but not yet heard anything.

 

[Bertroex]

Ruf was an aftermarket tuner until granted "manufacturer" status by the german government in 1983. From that time, Ruf produced cars - i.e. a standard empty porsche shell in white, + speciific porsche components is then being build up, finishing as a Ruf BTR, CTR etc with Ruf VIN number. Such cars are "rufs", as well as a full build of a porsche 911 pre 1983 starting from a standard bodied, no accessories car. However, many people decided afterwards to have their 911/930 converted. If so, then they are rebuild to SCR, BTR, CTR specification by Ruf, but remain Porsche 911/930 with their respective porsche AG VIN numbers. I'd be extra carefull and enquire exactly what RUF Singapore used as a basis... often you have a crashed/damaged/rotten shell of a 1973 150 bhp impact bumper 2.7 k-jet car being used, as that was the "cheapest base to start with". People do spend huge amounts in order to modify their porsches, and if it is build by Ruf Singarpore then it "ought " to be done to the correct standard. But its a bit like the UK situation with the demise of Ruf Weybridge: all records are lost, and the only way to determine the build quality and the sum of the parts is to bring it to Ruf or speak to a Ruf accredited mechanic. (££) With prices for 911, let alone Rufs. in Sing being so high, I'd consider a hotel, a decent and comfortable flight and a 48 hr invitiation to one of the Ruf people in Pfaffenhausen. You do know of the DDK early porsche meeting in Sing early september, do you? Best regards, Bert

 

[carreracat]

Thanks Bert, This one is based on a 1981 3.3 930, and although Ruf Singapore has since closed, I have just learned that the Ruf mechanic that did the work is still here in Singapore - so I shall be taking him for a beer or two! I guess the value of the car comes down to the mods and how they suit your own plans, if I think they have been well planned and executed, and I think that the cost to build something similar with the same parts would be more than the asking price then it might be worth it. No, I didn't know about the DDK meeting in Singapore - I shall go and find out more. Thanks again.