noparking

Hi, I'm brand new here and am looking for help verifying a 1989 BTR for sale near me. I've never owned a Porsche before, but have wanted one of these for a long time. The seller claims it was a converted directly from the factory in Germany. Any help would be greatly appreciated! (link below)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...a#ht_677wt_843

ca993twin

Hi noparking,

Thanks for moving your question over the here. I see no reason to doubt the sellers story about the conversion being done in Germany on a US based, brand new car. Many were done like that. In 1989, Ruf didn't have any outlets elsewhere to do these conversions. You can send an email to Claudia Muller at Ruf Automobiles with the VIN, and ask her if she has any information on the history of this car.

All Ruf cars are quite rare, and that BTR has a great deal of appeal. My personal taste runs for the 993-based cars (obviously), but they are all spectacular. It is very important, before you buy any used Porsche, that you get a comprehensive PPI (pre-purchase inspection) including a leakdown test, from an independent (from the seller) shop.

Perhaps a local, NY Rennlister with a knowledge of these cars might be able to meet you for an inspection? You will find this forum amazingly helpful.

speednme

I went up there to take a look at the 83 930 they have. Passed on it but their slant nose was really nice. The seller seems decent but I'm not so sure a ppi can be had. He stressed the fact that all mechanical work is done at his place and his cars do not visit any shops. I could be wrong though. IMO the RUF(wasn't there when I was there) is overpriced at the moment. A fair price would be in the near to low $50k's(if all checks out) but again my opinion.If you have any questions feel free to call me 201-218-6398

noparking

Thanks to both of you for your advise. I just spoke with the seller. Apparently the car was converted in Montclair, NJ shortly after purchase and not done in Germany. He mentioned a few other issues (A/C "needs charging", tires need replacing...etc.). Electronic ignition was also apparently added at some point. He did not like the idea of an independent inspection. I'm going out to look at it tomorrow morning, but I'm now a little less enthusiastic about this one. Am I overreacting to the NJ conversion over Germany?

speednme

If I'm not mistaken the conversion was done at Exclusive Motor Cars in Monclair NJ. They were RUF distributors way back when. I would not dream of not conducting a PPI for that kind of coin. Try to find a friend and/or a Porsche mechanic willing to do the inspection at the sellers place(if the seller is willing to let that happen). If not, as hard as it may seem...walk away. Porsche's are great cars when maintained properly...money hungry bitches when not. A true honest seller welcomes a ppi(at the buyers expense of course).

I feel your pain my friend. I am currently in the market too and can tell you that it is hard to walk away from something that you feel it's everything you want...but without a proper ppi it's a gamble.

Good luck and happy hunting...

964speed

IMHO if someone is selling a car and they are unwilling to allow me to have an independent inspection - than I can't take them seriously!

No matter what the asking price is.

noparking

Thanks everyone. I needed a reminder that it's insane to buy this without a ppi. I'm going to take a look tomorrow and will insist on it, however, I'm not linked up with the auto community around here. Could anyone recommend a solid/specialist garage in the NYC area in case I can convince him to have it looked at?

bb993tt

DeMan Motorsport in Blauvelt improved blackie for me. Rick knows what he's doing.

ca993twin

Oops.... I stand very corrected. I did not know that Ruf had a US distributor way back in 1989. I would not worry about WHERE the conversion was done... a small matter at this point.

noparking

I just spoke with the guys at DeMan and they were very friendly and knowledgeable (PPI quote was shockingly reasonable too). The seller is now amendable to a PPI and I'm looking at the car tomorrow morning. I'll post back here once I've seen it! Thanks again to everyone for your help.

bb993tt

Good. I posted a description of the PPI done by RMG out in CA on the "993 minimum leakdown numbers" thread. You might want to take a look at what other shops consider a proper PPI. Good luck with this. I'm rather partial to RUF's myself.

marin77

PPI alternative is Rennwerke Porsche Technicians in Elmsford, NY. ask for "Cheech". I'm one of his clients and very happy with the level of service / knowledge there.
Marin

ctr2

Noparking, Are you looking for a Ruf Vin BTR or a conversion, big difference in price and collectibility.

noparking

I went out and looked at the car yesterday, seller seems like a decent guy. It's definitely a conversion and not a RUF VIN car. Research points to it having been converted at Exclusive in NJ shortly after purchase. The was clearly driven by it's previous owners and there is definitely some respray on the front fenders (a little scary), but no apparent metal work. It started up quickly and ran well. Everything works but the A/C. Seller seems open to negotiation on price (asking $65k). I'm looking for a car that I can drive on the weekends first. Collectibility is secondary, but certainly a consideration. I'm a little concerned that I'm looking at the bottom of the RUF range and might be better off looking at nicer factory cars. Any thoughts?

Frank 993 C4S

I always get worried when high priced cars have stuff like A/C not working. It either shows a bigger problem or lack of attention to detail.

Here is another conversion car that you might be interested in (no affiliation) and I believe this is a well known and reputable seller:

http://inventory.racperformance.com/...-Texas/876480/

Here is a link to the "real thing":

http://inventory.racperformance.com/web/used/RUF-BTR-1986-Dallas-Texas/766898/

Don't buy without a PPI unless you're a gambling man. For a PPI I would recommend Dan Jacobs at http://www.danieljacobsllc.com/