600 hp under the open sky – RUF’s radical Targa interpretation
Pfaffenhausen is located in the gently rolling hills of the Bavarian Allgäu, where cowbells set the pace and the horizon is interrupted not by skyscrapers but by treetops. A place like many others – apparently. Because in the middle of this rural idyll, something has been developing for decades that is only inadequately described by the word “car”. This is where the headquarters of RUF Automobile GmbH are located.
Alois Ruf and his team do not work for the market, but for the idea. Their vehicles do not follow any trends or specifications – they are created out of conviction, passion and a deep understanding of what driving can mean. And sometimes they create vehicles that stand out even within this cosmos – like the Rt Roadster from 2011, which will be auctioned off by Broad Arrow in Monterey on August 13 and 14. A unique piece – not only in the technical sense, but also in the spiritual sense.
The inspiration for the Rt Roadster came from the first-generation Porsche Targa – the early version with a folding soft top and flexible plastic rear window. A technical intermediate model that is remembered above all for its airy driving experience and unadulterated engine noise. It was precisely this emotional approach that appealed to Alois Ruf when he developed his own version of this idea in 2011. However, the Rt Roadster is not a nostalgic copy. The technical basis comes from the Rt 12 S, a high-performance model with a 3.8-liter biturbo boxer engine, all-wheel drive and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The output: 600 hp – well above the 911 Turbo S of the time. The engine is supplied with fresh air via distinctive air intakes in the rear fenders. The chassis was completely retuned by RUF. The result was an open-top high-performance sports car with genuine everyday usability – and a sound that is particularly present through the open rear window.
The visual appearance of the vehicle is just as unique as the technology. The paint is called Chroma Flash Hologram Matt – an iridescent surface that plays between silver, gold and blue depending on the incidence of light. There is also a matt grey roll bar, a color-coordinated hardtop and forged 19-inch central locking rims. The brake system with carbon brake discs and yellow four-piston callipers is straight out of racing.
The interior is dominated by red leather with silver contrasting stitching, complemented by an interior package in visible carbon: gearshift, handbrake, sports seats and steering wheel. Further accents are provided by silver seat belts, stone-grey carpet and painted trim parts in body color. Despite all the focus on driving dynamics, comfort functions are not left out: Navigation via touchscreen, BOSE sound system and solid everyday ergonomics are a matter of course.
The Roadster was originally delivered to the USA and remained in collector’s hands there. A CARFAX report from 2014 confirms a mileage of just 5,398 miles at the time. Currently, 6,907 miles are recorded. The vehicle was last serviced at RUF North America: fresh tires, new front turn signals, fluid change, repainting of the front bumper – all documented. An RUF certificate issued in June 2024 confirms the authenticity of the car, including matching numbers for the engine and transmission. This is the only example of this type built – a genuine one-off.
Auction in Monterey – a rare opportunity
When the RUF Rt Roadster comes up for auction at Broad Arrow in Monterey in August, it won’t just be about performance or equipment. This car stands for an attitude: for individuality, for technical substance, for the desire to think differently. It is not a show car, but a drivable proof that precision and personality are not mutually exclusive. Anyone bidding here is not looking for the next best thing – but something with character.
Photos: Broad Arrow Auctions
