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I have been asked to weigh in on this RUF 928 car because of my long history of chasing down automotive rarities and one offs. It has been a fun hobby that has led me into the often inconsistent records of Porsche and other manufacturers databases.
One thing I have learned is that jumping to conclusions is never a good idea.
More specifically, my experience with RUF cars indicates that there are four types:
1. RUF serial numbered and titled cars.
2. RUF factory conversions with RUF documentation.
3. Non RUF tribute cars with many faithful RUF modifications.
4. Outright mis-representations with a few RUF badges, stickers or wheels installed.
I often encourage people to watch for rarities and many times I have found gems in plain sight. Long time Rennlist readers know the story of Steve Hoyts 1991 GT XX8 Wide Body. For years I chased the car and tried to convince Steve that it was real. No one the 928 community - including Steve believed the car was a real one-off (US car) produced by the factory. Yet here we are a decade later and almost all of the XX8 story has now been documented.
My one-off 1988 GTE prototype started its life as an S4 with factory documented SE interior touches, a Club Sport drivetrain, suspension and prototype gearbox. The Kremer Mirrors and Strut Brace as well as a Porsche aero kit (that was reportedly sold off to American International Racing) remain items to be fully documented.
Now as regards this being a real RUF 928?
The rufnorthamerica post on Instagram is great material for us mere mortals. The owner would have the build records as "Proof Positive" that his car is real.
Here is the post from RUF and some photos by @yb.photo
So after 18 years from the question being asked, I could 100% confirm that Yes Ruf did build just one 928. It recently was shipped by RUF to Zweck in Miami, and then headed to RUF NA HQ at The Concourse Club. Beautiful car in Black, with brownish leather & alcantara steering wheel, automatic on Ruf wheels & yellow ceramic brakes.
Jeff,
Thank you for bringing this car to our attention and welcome to the Shark Tank! Hope you do not mind the bit of flack that was thrown up while you brought this thing through to landing. I have had to maintain a thick skin through a few of my discoveries.
Moving forward with documentation, we are hoping you can share the serial number and RUF (or the owner) will share RUF's build sheet. Quite a few of us would love to know more about the car and the modifications that RUF has done, plus the timeline.
Interesting. So why is Ekkehard Zimmermann's name and DP Motorsports' logo on a Ruf VIN tag? Google says they collaborated on the Turbo DP 935 (and probably other cars? Dunno.), I'm curious as to why Ruf would include them on their VIN tag.
Enjoying this thread and the correct background coming out on this special "one of one" RUF 928. Hoping for more detail from the owner to surface shortly.
Dave, really appreciated your thoughts and efforts in bringing out the detail on this and other special 928s. Investigating to such detail is not for the casual person.
Enjoying this thread and the correct background coming out on this special "one of one" RUF 928. Hoping for more detail from the owner to surface shortly.
Dave, really appreciated your thoughts and efforts in bringing out the detail on this and other special 928s. Investigating to such detail is not for the casual person.
^^^^^ +1, please keep digging on this car. Incredible find.
Just found that "Jorge Supercars" posted in 2022 about the Ruf 928 on TikTok. Sounds like it was for sale at some point in Puerto Rico at a Porsche dealership. See screengrabs below. Note the interior Ruf embossing on the wheel and headrests. Seems like the gauge needles are a different color. Nothing said on engine or suspension. I'm assuming this is an atypical interior color, but you smart folks can correct me if otherwise.
So the VIN plate in Albofaz' post #43 is different from the VIN on the Ruf VIN tag in the Tiktok pics above (W09ZZZ50ZKPR05001), so it seems we can discount the DP/Zimmermann connection to this 928.
So the VIN plate in Albofaz' post #43 is different from the VIN on the Ruf VIN tag in the Tiktok pics above (W09ZZZ50ZKPR05001), so it seems we can discount the DP/Zimmermann connection to this 928.
not sure what you are talking about. That vin tag I posted was from a DP 930 simply to illustrate that w09 is not specific to Ruf but is instead used by several different German small volume manufacturers
Oops, my bad- reading comprehension fail on my part. Didn't realize that was a separate car.
no worries!
I don’t understand this car at all. As an owner of a real Ruf, I wouldn’t dare have mismatched non period correct parts on my car. Plus, I have a very difficult time believing that Ruf took delivery of a “body in white” 928 shell and finished it at Pfaffenhausen.
12-28-2023, 10:01 PM
