The automotive world is abuzz as the sole Ruf-modified Porsche 928, known as the 928R, prepares to cross the auction block. This exceptionally rare vehicle, built in 1989 for Samsung Group chairman Lee Kun-Hee, represents a unique chapter in Porsche and Ruf history.
The Only One of Its Kind
Unlike many aftermarket modifications, this 928R isn’t simply a Porsche with added parts. Ruf Automobile started with a bare “body-in-white” chassis, constructing the car from the ground up as a genuine Ruf product. This distinction is critical: it’s not just a tuned 928; it is a Ruf, built to the company’s exacting standards.
Performance and Condition
The 928R boasts a reworked 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 360 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The car has accumulated just 1,568 miles since its completion, ensuring its mechanical components remain in pristine condition. After being held in the Samsung Collection for years, the car underwent mechanical inspections and upgrades, including 19-inch Ruf wheels with carbon ceramic brakes, a period-correct Alcantara steering wheel, and a high-performance exhaust system.
Auction Details and Value
Gooding & Christie’s will offer the 928R at their Amelia Island auction on March 5th at 3:00 PM EST. Pre-auction estimates suggest a sale price between $400,000 and $500,000. Given the car’s rarity, provenance, and condition, exceeding these estimates is highly probable.
Why This Matters
The 928R’s exclusivity stems from Ruf’s limited production runs of non-911 models. Ruf is renowned for its meticulous Porsche enhancements, but the 928R stands alone as the only factory-built example. This makes it an investment-grade asset for serious collectors—and a testament to the manufacturer’s dedication to engineering excellence.
The auction provides a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of automotive history. While the market for classic Porsche 911s remains strong, the 928R offers a unique alternative for those seeking something truly exceptional.
