The Ruf BTR2 Might Be The Best 993-Gen Porsche 911 On The Planet

Jan. 16, 2021 9:06 AM ET by Karl Furlong For Sale / 6 Comments

Unlike the 993 Turbo, the BTR2 only sent its power to the rear wheels.

The much-loved 993-generation Porsche 911 was significant for several reasons, one being that it was the last of the air-cooled 911s to be produced. Specialist Porsche tuner Ruf created its own take on the 993 shortly after it went into production. Called the Ruf BTR2, it was launched in 1993 and became the first turbocharged 993, arriving before even Porsche's own 993 911 Turbo. A mere three examples of the narrow-bodied right-hand-drive BTR2 were ever made, and this is one of them. It's currently listed on Car Iconics as a 1998 model with 72,000 miles on the clock.

Although it used the 993 Carrera's 3.6-liter engine as a base, Ruf modified the powerplant with unique profile camshafts, a new exhaust system, an extra oil cooler, and a single inter-cooled turbo. The results were spectacular, with a top speed of over 191 mph and a 0-60 mph time of just four seconds - for a rear-wheel-drive car, no less - making it one of the fastest cars in the world at the time. Today, it's still competitive with several sports cars.

The two-owner example you see here was originally ordered with an electronic gear selector and hand controls before this system was replaced by a six-speed manual by Ruf in 2019.

Simultaneously to the fitment of the six-speeder, the car underwent a comprehensive rebuild by Ruf that included a strip and engine removal. A new turbocharger was fitted along with new belts, brake discs, and brake pads. A detailed Ruf invoice of all the work done, together with the accurate records kept by its first owner, means that this is the sole UK vehicle that Ruf has serviced since its build. The recent rebuild explains why this special car is in such pristine condition, inside and out, and is a great example of why Ruf's more recent projects continue to garner high respect.

Painted in Arctic Silver, it sits on neat 18-inch Ruf five-spoke alloy wheels which are finished in gold to match the gold livery on the car's sides. Inside, there is a full leather interior in black. The BTR2 boasts power-adjustable seats, bespoke Ruf instrumentation, an integrated roll cage, air conditioning, and an analog turbo boost gauge. The asking price is £224,995 which translates to around $307,093 at current rates. That's over $100,000 more than a new 911 Turbo S, but this may just be the best 993-gen Porsche on the planet.