Rare 1989 RUF CTR1 “Yellowbird” Lightweight, formerly owned by Alois Ruf, joins 2021 RUF CTR Anniversary finished in Riviera Blue
- RM Sotheby’s presents a 1989 RUF CTR1 “Yellowbird” Lightweight, one of only six Lightweights produced; previously used as Alois Ruf’s personal car
- Currently indicates fewer than 18,900 km (~11,745 mi.) at cataloguing time
- Also on offer: 2021 RUF CTR Anniversary, no. 25 of only 50 produced, finished in Riviera Blue with carbon fiber options
- For photos, click here
MONTEREY, CA – July 29, 2025 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – RM Sotheby’s presents one of the most significant RUFs ever built: a 1989 RUF CTR1 ‘Yellowbird’ Lightweight, chassis number 9, famously known as “Yellowbird.” A factory Lightweight example and one of just six produced, this German-market car was commissioned by Dr. Dietrich in paint-to-sample Bordeaux Red over matching Nutria black leather. Ordered directly through Alois Ruf, the car features competition-focused upgrades including RUF sports suspension, a custom telemetry gauge, 959-style door seals, and lightweight door panels.
Delivered without the standard roll cage, the Yellowbird further distinguishes itself with six-point harnesses, a dash-mounted kill switch, a Pfaffenhausen hood badge, and chrome trim—details that make it the most personalized Lightweight CTR ever built.
“The Yellowbird pushed the limits of what a road car could do,” said Gord Duff, President at RM Sotheby’s. “In 1987, it reached 211 miles per hour and outran the Porsche 959, Ferrari Testarossa, Lamborghini Countach, and AMG Hammer. It did zero to sixty in 3.7 seconds, which was incredible for the time. This example stands out for its exceptional level of personalization. It is a time capsule that showcases RUF’s engineering at its peak. Cars like this are prized for blending raw analog performance with modern precision.”
Completed in September 1989, the Yellowbird remained in the hands of RUF until 2005 and was reportedly driven by Alois Ruf himself during that time. It later passed through a series of respected collectors in Germany, Austria, Belgium, and the United States. While in Austria, the car was returned to RUF for upgrades including a revised G50 transaxle and updated brake system with adjustable bias control. It is now offered with fewer than 18,900 kilometers (~11,745 miles) and is accompanied by a detailed history file that includes factory correspondence, registration documents, service invoices, and a RUF certificate of authenticity. The car is estimated at $4,500,000 – $5,000,000 USD.
In addition to the Yellowbird, RM Sotheby’s will also be auctioning off a 2021 RUF CTR Anniversary, one of only 50 units produced. This exceptional car, number 25 in the production run, is finished in a unique paint-to-sample Riviera Blue with custom carbon fiber options and boasts a 710-horsepower twin-turbo flat-six engine, reaching a top speed of 224 mph. With fewer than 200 miles since new, this rare and exclusive model represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors (Estimated at $2,800,000 – $3,400,000).
About RM Sotheby’s
RM Sotheby’s is the world’s largest collector car auction house by total sales. With over 45 years of proven results in the collector car industry, RM’s vertically integrated range of services, from auctions (live and online) and private sales to estate planning and financial services, coupled with an expert team of Car Specialists and an international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM Sotheby’s is currently responsible for six of the top ten most valuable motor cars ever sold at auction.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
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