RUF Automobile, the most bespoke sports car manufacturer in Germany, delivers blistering high-performance sports cars with custom fabrication and trim that is unrivaled around the globe. Offered here, RUF Registry certified with a true “W09” RUF Vehicle Identification Number, this singular 2002 RUF R Turbo presents in exact specifications and looks as good, if not better, than the day it pulled out of Pfaffenhausen. Although there are fine examples of RUF-tuned Porsches out there, much fewer, and significantly more valuable, are the true RUF-manufactured cars, which carry their own VIN and have been produced by the independent manufacturing firm. This magnificent, Iris Blue Metallic R Turbo Cabriolet is one of those rare few. A bespoke German independent automobile manufacturer, RUF earned the right to be designated a manufacturer of Porsche “bodies-in-white” in 1981 and their unparalleled reputation was only cemented by their famed 1987 ‘Yellow Bird’ CTR 911 that bested a Porsche 959, Ferrari F40 and Lamborghini Diablo in a Road & Track race. Since that time, they have been held in the highest esteem and represent the pinnacle of Porsche-based sports cars. Introduced in 2001, RUF’s R Turbo was crafted from “bodies-in-white” of Porsche’s 996-generation 911. With serial numbers beginning in W0 rather than Porsche’s WP, the Porsche-bodied chassis and shells were delivered to RUF Automobile for production. Available in a coupe or cabriolet and offered as a widebody Turbo or an upgraded narrow-body Carrera body shell, they could be ordered as either all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive from RUF. From there, RUF really started working their magic with a host of jaw-dropping options exclusive to the manufacturer. The R Turbo’s body shell was fitted with a modified nose with upper vent slots and RUF air dam below. The rear bumper was also RUF-fabricated and added an adjustable rear spoiler. Striking air-inlets were inlaid over the wheel arches for the intercoolers and aerodynamic RUF side mirrors were installed. New quad exhaust tips were mated to an innovative RUF exhaust system with a bypass valve and the innerworkings of the car just got more impressive from there. RUF took Porsche’s twin-turbocharged 3.6-litre, flat-six engine and started a revolution from within. They equipped the engine with modified KKK turbochargers, GT3 engine mounts, upgraded valve train, a modified VarioCam system and they remapped the engine computer. The drivetrain utilized a Porsche GT2 transaxle, an upgraded clutch, and a limited slip differential. The suspension was enhanced with specially tuned Bilstein gas-pressure shock absorbers, stiffer springs, stabilizer bars and the brakes were outfitted with RUF-Brembo brake discs as well as calipers. The 520-horsepower model on offer here can go from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds, with a RUF-reported top speed of 214 miles per hour, which easily outperforms everything in its class. A true RUF as VIN W09BD236Z2PRO6036 and its RUF Registry Certificate of Authenticity will attest, this entirely numbers-matching 2002 R Turbo Cabriolet boasts a myriad of options and upgrades. Robed in a rare RUF Iris Blue Metallic paint that has been refinished in its original color code and received modern film paint protection, it presents in a striking color scheme over 19-inch alloy wheels. Ordered with the desirable, $20,000-upgrade narrow Carrera body, this near flawless, special-order one-of-one cabriolet boasts many additional options including RUF lip spoiler, side skirts, removable integrated roll bar, enhanced RUF sport suspension, RUF heated side mirrors, Xenon headlights and so much more, as the accompanying RUF delivery confirmation sheet will support. Equipped with the RUF 3.6-litre flat-six 520-horsepower engine, mated to a five-speed Tiptronic S transmission, this sizzling, all-wheel drive car runs as fast as it looks. Inside the cockpit, GT3 featherlight racing seats are black with timeless houndstooth inlaid centers, welcoming you to wrap your hands around that racy RUF three-spoke steering wheel and hold on for dear life. RUF has taken the driving cabin to a whole other level with all RUF instruments and gauges highlighted in their signature green; every inch of the interior is outfitted with driver enjoyment and style in mind. The R Turbo was created to be RUF’s supercar and is one of the ultimate air-cooled automobiles of its era. This magnificent example is presented in fantastic condition, complete with factory RUF documentation. Road and track capable, it stands ready to take on your ultimate sporting challenge.