Yellowbird Auction

RUF CTR Yellowbird

Every so often, a car comes along that defines an era. The RUF CTR Yellowbird is one such vehicle. With only 29 units ever made, it holds a legendary status among automotive enthusiasts. The good news for collectors? One of these ultra-rare machines is up for grabs again, this time through Broad Arrow Auctions.

Value and Rarity

Last month, a Yellowbird fetched a jaw-dropping $6.1 million, a price that dwarfs its original sale value. This sale has reignited interest in the surviving models. The latest Yellowbird on offer is anticipated to sell for between $4.5 million to $5.5 million, reflecting its unmatched rarity and nostalgia.

In the U.S., there are thought to be just 13 examples. This particular unit has 19,370 miles on it. That’s more than the 1,039 miles of the one sold last month, and it’s a detail that might keep its sale price a bit lower despite its impeccable condition. However, it’s still mighty impressive given its engineering feat over three decades ago.

Performance

Back in the late ’80s, the RUF CTR Yellowbird was ranked the fastest production car, capable of reaching speeds up to 213 mph. Its glory days were crowned when it outperformed rivals during a 1987 Road & Track test, establishing it as a supercar contender.

Under the hood, this beast still houses its original 4.3-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, which delivers a potent 463 horsepower and 408 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, made it a formidable player in the world of high-performance vehicles.

Driving Experience

Driving a Yellowbird isn’t just about speed; it’s about raw, unfiltered driving pleasure. With a lightweight design incorporating racing harnesses, it offers a no-nonsense driving ambiance. The flat-six roars beneath you, delivering torque in a linear, thrilling rush that modern cars often soften in favor of comfort and gadgetry. It’s the kind of car where the driver is connected to the road, not insulated from it by electronics.

In comparison to contemporary supercars offering similar performance, the Yellowbird is more engaging and demanding. It’s not a car you simply drive; it’s a car you wrestle with, in the best possible way. It provides an analog driving experience that modern-era cars with advanced driver aids can’t replicate.

With its storied past and benchmark speed, the RUF CTR Yellowbird isn’t just a car; it’s an automotive icon. Whoever wins the bid on this rare celebration of engineering brilliance will not just get a supercar, but a piece of automotive history that continues to captivate enthusiasts across the globe.