Some cars are rare. Others are legendary. The 1998 RUF CTR 2 Sport heading to Broad Arrow’s Monterey auction in August is both. One of just 14 CTR 2 Sports ever built, and one of only four equipped with all-wheel drive, this black beauty represents the absolute pinnacle of 1990s air-cooled engineering. With an estimate of $3-3.5 million, it’s also a stark reminder of how dramatically RUF values have climbed. Don’t believe us? This exact car sold for $736,500 in 2019.
RUF built the CTR 2 as a worthy successor to the legendary Yellowbird, which held the title of world’s fastest production car at 211 mph. The CTR 2 Sport took that concept even further, adding 60 horsepower, wider bodywork, and track-focused suspension while maintaining the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that made these cars genuinely usable in all conditions.
The Last Great Air-Cooled Weapon
Based on the Porsche 993 platform, the CTR 2 Sport featured a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six producing 580 horsepower and 505 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers delivered a 3.6-second 0-60 mph sprint and a 217-mph top speed , which we might add, made it the fastest production car in the world when it was new. More impressive than the raw performance was how RUF achieved it while still maintaining that feeling of luxury.
The engineering was decades ahead of its time. Carbon-ceramic brakes (extremely rare in the 1990s) provided fade-free stopping power while saving 66 pounds. The integrated roll cage eliminated traditional rain gutters while improving structural rigidity and crash safety. Composite fenders and bumpers reduced weight while the bi-functional rear wing generated downforce and housed air intakes for the engine and intercoolers.
Rarity Beyond Hypercars
Only 29 CTR 2s were ever built, with just 14 receiving the Sport treatment. Of those 14, only four were equipped with RUF’s sophisticated all-wheel-drive system featuring driver-adjustable torque split. To put that in perspective, you’re more likely to spot a modern Ferrari F80 (799 planned) than one of these CTR 2 Sports.
This particular example was originally ordered by Frank Beddor, whose family had deep connections to RUF – they even hosted Alois Ruf’s wedding reception in Minnesota. Originally finished in black with a black interior, the car underwent a comprehensive refresh at the RUF factory after sustaining transport damage during Richard Gundeck’s ownership. The result is the striking green leather interior that covers virtually every surface, including the integrated roll cage.
Provenance and Condition
The car’s history reads like a who’s who of serious collectors. After the Beddor family sold it in 2007, it passed through the hands of two of the world’s most prominent modern sports car collections. Despite crossing the Atlantic twice for various services and modifications over the years (which is pretty standard for these vehicles), the odometer still only reads 16,679 miles.
Recent maintenance records includes a full service at RUF North America this month (July 2025), ensuring the car is ready for its next chapter.
Spec Sheet
Model: 1998 RUF CTR 2 Sport (AWD)
Engine: Twin-turbo 3.6L air-cooled flat-six
Power: 580 HP / 505 lb-ft torque
Transmission: RUF 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive with adjustable torque split
0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds
Top Speed: 217 mph
Production: 14 CTR 2 Sports built (4 with AWD)
Mileage: 16,679 miles
Chassis: W09BC0360WPR06007
Pricing & Availability
The car is currently set to cross the block at Broad Arrow’s Monterey Jet Center sale on August 14, 2025, with estimates pegged between $3-3.5 million. Online bidding will be not available for this lot, which will require serious buyers to attend in person or arrange alternative bidding methods.
Recap
Auction Block: 1998 RUF CTR 2 Sport
This 1998 RUF CTR 2 Sport is one of only 14 built and one of four equipped with all-wheel drive, featuring 580 HP, 217-mph capability, and just 16,679 miles, estimated to sell for $3-3.5 million at Broad Arrow’s August Monterey auction.
