A 1989 RUF CTR Yellowbird fetches over $6 million, setting a record for the model at Gooding & Company’s auction.
A 1989 RUF CTR “Yellowbird” has soared into the record books after selling for $6,055,000 at Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island Auctions, making it the most expensive example of the model ever sold publicly.
Widely considered one of the most iconic performance cars of the 1980s, this CTR — chassis number W09BT0343KPR06026 — is one of just 29 examples ever built. Even more exclusive, it is one of only nine cars finished in the distinctive Blutengelb (Blossom Yellow), the shade that earned the CTR its enduring “Yellowbird” nickname.
The record-setting car is also among a handful specified with the rare Leichtbau (lightweight) configuration. It features aluminum body panels, a factory-installed Matter roll cage, and a six-speed gearbox developed in-house by RUF. With just 1,056 miles on the odometer, the car remains in highly original condition, a major factor in its sky-high hammer price.
Unveiled in 1987, the RUF CTR rose to prominence after besting some of the world’s most formidable supercars during Road & Track’s legendary top-speed test, clocking a verified 211 mph. Its striking color, aerodynamic enhancements, and twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter flat-six engine instantly turned it into a global sensation, appearing in enthusiast films and racing games for decades.
The auction lot included the original RUF invoice, tool kit, owner’s books, and a RUF Zertifikat — the company’s certificate of authenticity. Alois and Estonia Ruf, who continue to oversee the German manufacturer, praised the sale as validation of the Yellowbird’s lasting legacy in the collector world.
With its combination of low production numbers, storied performance, and pop culture fame, the RUF CTR Yellowbird remains one of the most collectible cars of the analog era.