Latest news with #Yellowbird
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rare RUF CTR 'Yellowbird' Breaks Records With $6M Auction
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious A 1989 RUF CTR 'Yellowbird' has soared into the record books after selling for $6,055,000 at Gooding & Company's Amelia Island Auctions, making it the most expensive example of the model ever sold publicly. Widely considered one of the most iconic performance cars of the 1980s, this CTR — chassis number W09BT0343KPR06026 — is one of just 29 examples ever built. Even more exclusive, it is one of only nine cars finished in the distinctive Blutengelb (Blossom Yellow), the shade that earned the CTR its enduring 'Yellowbird' nickname. The record-setting car is also among a handful specified with the rare Leichtbau (lightweight) configuration. It features aluminum body panels, a factory-installed Matter roll cage, and a six-speed gearbox developed in-house by RUF. With just 1,056 miles on the odometer, the car remains in highly original condition, a major factor in its sky-high hammer price. Unveiled in 1987, the RUF CTR rose to prominence after besting some of the world's most formidable supercars during Road & Track's legendary top-speed test, clocking a verified 211 mph. Its striking color, aerodynamic enhancements, and twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter flat-six engine instantly turned it into a global sensation, appearing in enthusiast films and racing games for decades. The auction lot included the original RUF invoice, tool kit, owner's books, and a RUF Zertifikat — the company's certificate of authenticity. Alois and Estonia Ruf, who continue to oversee the German manufacturer, praised the sale as validation of the Yellowbird's lasting legacy in the collector world. With its combination of low production numbers, storied performance, and pop culture fame, the RUF CTR Yellowbird remains one of the most collectible cars of the analog era.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Gooding Christie's Amelia Island Auction Achieves Over $67 Million in Sales with Record-Breaking Results
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious Gooding Christie's, the automotive arm of global luxury leader Christie's, achieved remarkable success at its Amelia Island Auction, securing a total of $67.4 million in sales. Held on March 6th and 7th, this event marked the company's first official auction since its merger with Christie's and set a new standard in the collector car auction landscape. With a sell-through rate of 93% from 144 lots, the auction saw sixteen cars exceed the $1 million mark. The top sale was a 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta from the Fred Leydorf Collection, which fetched an impressive $9,465,000. This particular sale highlighted the auction's energetic atmosphere, driven by a fierce bidding battle that culminated in a telephone bidder clinching the deal for this historic Ferrari. Another significant highlight was the sale of the 1989 RUF CTR 'Yellowbird', which set a new world auction record for the RUF marque by selling for $6,055,000. This sale not only surpassed previous records but also emphasized the growing market strength of modern performance cars. Additionally, the 1997 RUF CTR2 sold for $2,645,000, setting another record for the model. The auction also featured notable sales of post-war European sports cars, including a 1963 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Series II Coupe Aerodinamico that sold for $2,535,000 and a 1964 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS, which went for $2,205,000. Moreover, the event showcased strong results for classic era cars, with a 1935 Avions Voisin C25 Aérodyne achieving a new world record for the model at $1,985,000. Gooding Christie's President David Gooding expressed satisfaction with the auction's outcomes, noting the high quality of offerings and the spirited bidding across all categories. The event was not only a commercial success but also a demonstration of Gooding Christie's ability to attract top-tier collectibles and achieve premium prices. The Amelia Island Auctions provided a vibrant start to the year for Gooding Christie's, reflecting the auction house's expertise and strategic approach in the collector car market. The success at Amelia Island sets an optimistic tone for future auctions, with the company looking forward to continuing its 2025 calendar, including the highly anticipated Porsche Air|Water Auction in April.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Are These The Best Modern Supercars To Ever Go Up For Auction?
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious It would be crazy to have all of the best RUFs and 80s Mercedes-Benz AMGs in one place, right? But it's really happening. A handful of the most notable models are about to go up for auction in a few short weeks, so we compiled everything you need to know about them. In no time at all, Gooding Christie's will offer these gorgeous vehicles at their Amelia Island Auctions from March 6–7. Of course, you can also register to bid on them here, or peek at the rest of the auction catalogue if you're hooked. Before we had the term 'Supercar,' these marvels of modern engineering were sometimes called tuner cars, as they have been modified to reach peak performance. Usually these modifications are to achieve higher engine performance and dynamic handling. Enter RUF, a German car manufacturer. In the 80s and 90s, RUF utilized Porsche bodies to build cars with the most customized, peak performance possible. Now, they make their own vehicles, but the early ones remain highly desirable. The Yellowbird is a super special iteration of the CTR, which is based on a 911 Carrera 3.2, keeping weight and aerodynamic drag to a minimum. But most crucial to the CTR is the 3.4-liter air-cooled flat six engine. Some CTRs were custom ordered with luxury amenities like air conditioning and adjustable Recaro seats, but clients could also specify the car to be Leichtbau, or lightweight. The name Yellowbird comes from a trial, in which the car simultaneously displayed remarkable speed and control. With a top speed of 211, the Yellowbird beat out the best from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and AMG. Only 29 Yellowbirds were ever produced, with only nine originally finished in Blutengelb, or Blossom Yellow. This particular 6-speed RUF gearbox Leichtbau specification is in time-capsule condition, with just two owners from new. Basically it's one of the best RUFs money can buy. The CTR2 was the successor to the Yellowbird with a 993-generation Porsche 911 body, optimizing aerodynamics. This particular model boasts a 3,600 cc SOHC flat 6-cylinder engine, with TAGtronic electronic fuel injection. It was delivered new to Japan in November 1997 and was the only CTR or CTR2 to be finished in the striking Adriatic Blue. Prior to this scale, the CTR2 underwent a meticulous, multi-hundred-hour servicing and preparation process, ensuring that it's delivered in insanely good condition. With a top speed of 217 mph, faster than the Lamborghini Diablo, Ferrari F50 and Jaguar XJ220, it's got to be pretty good fun. Mercedes AMG Hammers are high-performance models from the 80s. This one is extremely rare for a few reasons: it boasts a 6.0-liter DOHC V-8 engine that was built by AMG in Affalterbach, Germany. Most importantly, it's the only known coupe with a five-speed manual gearbox. It was built to order for the infamous Italian industrialist Raul Gardini, and it comes delivered in Anthracite Grey Metallic with a widebody kit and 'Aero III' wheels, in addition to all its original books, toolkit, literature and more. Perhaps the most famous of the Hammer specification, the four-door sedan is one of the most iconic performance cars of the 80s, and a definitive example of AMG's most iconic pre-merger model. AMG installed a 5.6-liter Type M117 engine, equipped with the Erhard Melcher-designed DOHC 32-valve heads and rated at 355 hp, granting it an AMG VIN. This particular model is the only known Hammer Sedan equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox and was recently rebuilt by marque specialist Blue Ridge MB. These performance cars were unbelievable when they debuted, and they remain incredible testaments to engineering and design. If you're hooked on this era of performance tuner cars, check out Gooding Christie's Amelia Island Auctions. While you wait, here's Gooding Christie's online catalogue or you can register to bid if you're hoping to get your hands on peak performance.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
A 1989 Ruf CTR 'Yellowbird' in Photos
More from Robb Report Car of the Week: This 1989 Ruf CTR 'Yellowbird' Could Fetch $6 Million at Auction The Ferrari Testarossa Is an Icon of 1980s Style That's Making a Comeback Car of the Week: This 1954 Jaguar Set a Speed Record at Le Mans. Now It Could Fetch $8.5 Million. Best of Robb Report The 2024 Chevy C8 Corvette: Everything We Know About the Powerful Mid-Engine Beast The World's Best Superyacht Shipyards The ABCs of Chartering a Yacht Click here to read the full article. This 1989 Ruf CTR 'Yellowbird' will be offered through Gooding & Company at its 2025 Amelia Island Auctions next month. The interior features the basic Porsche 911 RS vinyl trim, as well as Recaro Clubsport racing seats and a full roll cage. The air-cooled, 3.4-liter flat-six engine makes a claimed 463 hp and 408 ft lbs of torque. This CTR 'Yellowbird' is one of just six built to lightweight spec—with alloy body panels—and one of four equipped with a Ruf-designed six-speed manual gearbox. One of the most appealing features of the car is that it only shows 1,673 kilometers (1,039.5 miles) on the odometer. The car presents a redesigned rear bumper below the trademark 911 Turbo picnic-tray rear wing. Also included is the original invoice, along with the books, tools, and accessory items that came with the car. Gooding & Company is counting on the car's rare spec and immaculate condition to deliver on that 'in excess of $6 million' estimate next month.
