Rare One-Off Porsche 928 by Ruf: Auction Set to Stun!

Okay, gearheads, buckle up, because this is one for the history books. We all know Ruf. The name alone conjures images of meticulously enhanced Porsches, pushing the boundaries of performance and exclusivity. But what happens when Ruf, known for their 911 magic, decides to tackle the often-overlooked Porsche 928? The result, friends, is the stuff of legend.

Rare One-Off Porsche 928 by Ruf: Auction Set to St...

And that legend is hitting the auction block. Gooding & Company is offering a truly unique piece of automotive history: the only Ruf 928R ever produced. This isn't just a tweaked 928 with a Ruf badge slapped on it. This is a ground-up creation, commissioned back in 1989 by none other than Lee Kun-Hee, the late chairman of the Samsung Group. Talk about a statement piece!

Imagine, if you will, Ruf starting with a bare 928 chassis. They stripped it down, meticulously reworked everything, and rebuilt it to their exacting standards. The heart of this beast is a thoroughly overhauled 5.0-liter V8, massaged to produce a respectable 360 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque. Not bad for a grand tourer from the late '80s, eh?

The aesthetics are equally impressive. The car sports a striking black exterior, perfectly contrasted by a sumptuous wine-red interior. An Alcantara steering wheel adds a touch of period-correct sporty flair. And the best part? The odometer shows a mere 2,524 kilometers. This thing has basically been in a time capsule, and it shows. Before it hit the auction block, the 928R even went back to Ruf for a full inspection and refurbishment. You know they made sure it was perfect.

Beyond the engine and interior, the 928R boasts a host of other upgrades. Think 19-inch Ruf wheels hiding upgraded carbon-ceramic brakes, a Ruf classic radio (gotta have that retro sound!), and an enhanced exhaust system to let that V8 sing. This is the complete package. This is what happens when you give Ruf a blank check and say, "Make me something special."

Gooding & Company will showcase this beauty at Amelia Island in early March, with the auction itself kicking off on March 5th. Pre-auction estimates are hovering between $400,000 and $500,000. But let's be honest, folks, with its one-of-a-kind status and provenance, it could easily fetch a lot more. This isn't just a car; it's a piece of automotive art, a testament to Ruf's dedication to excellence, and a tangible piece of Samsung history. I'd love to see this car in person! If you miss out on the 928R, you could always bid on the 1997 Ruf BTR II they are also offering, but you better have around a million dollars to play with!