This Early Porsche Played an Essential Role in the History of RUF

Quick Blue

Alois Ruf Jr., the head of RUF, a renowned German performance brand, still holds a sentimental attachment to his first Porsche. Gifted to him at the young age of 19, this cherished possession is a 901 known as Quick Blue. Interestingly, his connection to this car might have even deeper roots than one would expect.

Back In 1939

Back in 1939, Alois Ruf Sr. established RUF Automobile as a modest garage in Pfaffenhausen, Germany, situated near Munich. Little did they know that this unassuming beginning would sow the seeds of a remarkable relationship with Porsche.

Enduring Bond

In 1963, the RUF garage undertook the repair of a damaged 356, marking the inception of their enduring bond with Porsche. It was during that same year, amidst a torrential downpour on the autobahn near Günzburg, halfway between Munich and Stuttgart, that Ruf Jr. had a brief yet profound encounter. Through the rain-soaked windshield, he caught a mesmerizing glimpse of a blue 901 that left an indelible impression on his young mind.

The 901

At that time, the 901 had recently debuted as a successor to the 356, a car that Ruf Sr.'s garage had already begun specializing in. However, a dispute over the name with Peugeot compelled Porsche to rebrand the model as the iconic 911, paving the way for the legendary sports car we recognize today.

The Ruf Family

Originally, the Quick Blue 901 was showcased with a non-functioning engine for exhibition purposes. It later found its way to Porsche's development department, where a genuine engine was installed, and the car underwent rigorous testing at Germany's prestigious Hockenheimring. Remarkably, this very car served as a company vehicle for Ferdinand Piëch, who would eventually become the influential head of the Volkswagen Group. Subsequently, it changed hands several times, eventually being acquired by the esteemed Porsche engine designer Hans Mezger. Following an on-track incident that left it damaged, the car was sold to Ruf Sr.

Historic Vehicle

Now, with the complete story of this historic vehicle unveiled, extensive efforts have been made to restore its original appearance. The resurrected Quick Blue made its grand debut at the esteemed Geneva Motor Show, boasting a fully functional engine kindly donated by a vocational college. Amidst Ruf's ongoing expansion, including the establishment of a presence in the United States, this revived treasure serves as a poignant testament to the brand's humble origins and represents a captivating chapter in Ruf's remarkable journey.

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