Yellowbird Auction Buzz

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The Iconic Ruf CTR Yellowbird: An Enthusiast’s Dream

Yellowbird

Once hailed as the fastest production car back in the 1980s, the RUF CTR Yellowbird still manages to grab attention decades later. With its 4.3-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine, this beast churns out a whopping 463 horsepower and 408 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to reach speeds up to 213 mph. That’s some serious performance, comparable to today’s mid-engine supercars.

Auction Buzz

Recently, a RUF CTR Yellowbird sold for a staggering $6.1 million—41 times its original price. This sale has sparked renewed interest, and now, another Yellowbird is gearing up to hit the auction block, handled by Broad Arrow Auctions. The expected selling price is between $4.5 million and $5.5 million.

Of the 29 original Yellowbirds, roughly 13 are believed to reside in the United States. Each car has its own unique charm, but this particular model boasts a lightweight interior with racing harnesses—something not found in any other CTR.

Vehicle Specs

The Yellowbird in question has clocked around 19,370 miles, significantly more than the one sold last month, which had only 1,039 miles. Despite the higher mileage, the condition remains impressive with original paint intact aside from a minor repair in the engine compartment. This car still features the same robust six-speed manual transmission, driving power to the rear wheels.

Driving Feel

Driving the Ruf CTR Yellowbird is like stepping into a time machine that takes enthusiasts back to a golden era of raw power and unadulterated speed. Unlike modern supercars that might coddle drivers with electronic aids, the Yellowbird demands respect and attention with every push of the pedal. It’s an experience that feels visceral, comparable to handling a classic muscle car but with European precision.

This kind of car isn’t just about specs or speed; it’s about the feeling it conveys—a connection to the road that modern cars often filter out. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and exhilaration, not too dissimilar from taking a well-preserved Porsche 911 for a spin, but with significantly more bite.

As the auction looms, it’ll be intriguing to see if other owners decide to cash in on their treasures, especially given the premium these cars are fetching. The Yellowbird’s legacy as an iconic piece of automotive history seems well intact, drawing admiration and high bids from collectors worldwide.

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