Tag Archives: RM Sotheby's

Auctions

Ultra-Rare 2021 Ruf CTR Anniversary Heads to Auction

Another rare gem from the house of Ruf is heading to auction, and it’s expected to command a price tag north of $3 million. The car in question? A 2021 Ruf CTR Anniversary — a modern reinterpretation of the iconic Yellowbird, built to mark the 30th anniversary of Ruf’s legendary CTR lineage.

At first glance, it might be mistaken for a classic Porsche 911, but don’t be fooled. Underneath its retro shell lies a thoroughly modern supercar engineered by one of the most revered Porsche tuners in history. Ruf doesn’t merely modify Porsches — it builds its own vehicles from the ground up, registered under its own manufacturer status. And the CTR Anniversary is a shining example of this philosophy.

Debuting at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the CTR Anniversary blends timeless design with cutting-edge materials and race-proven engineering. Just 50 units were produced, making it rarer than many exotic supercars. The example set to hit the auction block is chassis number 25 — finished in stunning Riviera Blue and showing fewer than 200 miles on the odometer.

Originally delivered to a discerning collector in Florida, this CTR Anniversary was optioned with nearly every carbon fiber component available. The exterior features lightweight carbon bodywork, carbon ceramic brakes with matching body-colored calipers, a front axle lift system, and featherweight carbon-fiber doors — all in the name of performance and precision.

Inside, the cabin is equally jaw-dropping. The Kevlar-carbon bucket seats are wrapped in supple leather with pepita (houndstooth) inserts and accented by Riviera Blue contrast stitching. Even the seatbelts match the exterior hue. A black Alcantara headliner adds to the bespoke feel, while titanium pedals round off the interior with a motorsport-inspired touch.

But this car isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s a powerhouse under the skin. The CTR Anniversary is powered by a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, developed in-house by Ruf, that delivers a staggering 720 horsepower and 890 Nm (656 lb-ft) of torque. With a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, this analog rocket catapults from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under four seconds and boasts a top speed of 360 km/h (224 mph).

When new, the CTR Anniversary commanded an eye-watering €892,000 (around $1 million at the time). However, given the recent sale of an original 1987 Ruf CTR Yellowbird for $6.1 million — nearly 41 times its original price — expectations are high. Pre-auction estimates suggest the car could fetch between $2.8 and $3.4 million when it crosses the block later this month.

For collectors and driving purists alike, the CTR Anniversary represents a perfect blend of rarity, craftsmanship, and raw performance. While Singer may offer gorgeous 911-based restomods, the Ruf CTR Anniversary delivers heritage and homologation-grade engineering from a marque that’s been rewriting Porsche’s rulebook for decades.

This is more than just a car — it’s an artifact of performance history, destined for a place of honor in a world-class collection.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

News

Ultra-Rare Ferrari F40 LM GTC Heads to Auction

Few names in the automotive world evoke passion quite like Ferrari. While many models from Maranello have earned legendary status, only a select few ascend into myth. The Ferrari F40 is one of them—often regarded by enthusiasts as the pinnacle of the brand’s performance legacy. But beyond the celebrated road car lies something even more extraordinary: the F40 LM.

Now, one of these ultra-rare F40 LM GTCs is set to change hands at the prestigious RM Sotheby’s auction during Monterey Car Week this August, and collectors are already lining up for a chance to own a piece of racing history.

The Unicorn Among Legends

Developed by Michelotto Automobili for the crucible of motorsport, the F40 LM (short for Le Mans) was Ferrari’s answer to both the American IMSA series and Europe’s FIA GT championship. Just 19 were ever built, each a bespoke evolution of the F40 platform, stripped, tuned, and sharpened for track domination.

The example going under the hammer is chassis number 95448—the 14th car of the limited 19—and one of the rarest of them all thanks to its even more exclusive GTC specification. This variant boasts the highest power output of any F40, pushing a ferocious 770 horsepower from its 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. With a featherweight curb weight of just 1,050 kilograms, it’s a full 317 kilograms lighter than the standard road-going F40, delivering a visceral experience that few machines—road or race—can match.

A Storied Provenance

Originally delivered new to Walter Hagmann of St. Moritz, Switzerland, a noted Ferrari collector, chassis 95448 has seen a fascinating journey. After changing hands a few times—including a return to Hagmann’s ownership—it eventually found its way to private owners across Italy, France, Spain, the Czech Republic, and later the United States, Germany, and Austria. Along the way, it participated in various historic racing events, living up to its motorsport pedigree.

In 2014, the car was sent back to Michelotto for a mechanical refresh, receiving engine and gearbox servicing along with a full respray in its iconic Rosso Corsa red. Ahead of the auction, it has undergone further preparation to ensure it’s in optimal condition, including new belts, spark plugs, fuel filters, and a fresh set of Michelin Pilot Sport GT Slick S7M tires.

A Million-Dollar Myth

Expected to fetch between $8.5 million and $9.5 million, this F40 LM GTC is more than just a collector’s trophy—it’s a symbol of Ferrari’s unrelenting pursuit of performance and motorsport glory. For the few who can afford it, owning this machine is akin to holding a piece of Ferrari’s soul.

The auction is scheduled for August 16th, where the spotlight will shine brightly on Monterey—and on one of the most formidable Ferraris ever built.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

Auctions

Dua Lipa’s Custom Porsche 911 GT3 RS Heads to Auction for Charity

Three-time Grammy Award winner Dua Lipa may be conquering the global music stage with her Radical Optimism world tour, but her passion isn’t confined to soundtracks and stadiums. Like many automotive enthusiasts, she’s been indulging in the digital thrill of supercar configurators — and now, that virtual hobby has translated into a very real, very special car.

Meet the Rennstall Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Dua Lipa’s custom-built dream machine, heading to auction via RM Sotheby’s. “Rennstall,” which means “racing team” in German, might sound like a prelude to a motorsport debut, but Lipa isn’t gearing up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans — at least, not yet. Instead, this striking, track-focused Porsche is destined for the auction block, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting her Sunny Hill Foundation, which supports youth, art, and culture in her native Kosovo.

Unveiled at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix, the car reflects Lipa’s signature boldness and flair. RM Sotheby’s describes the car’s vivid, retro-themed colorway as “a perfect reflection of the liveliness that characterizes Dua Lipa’s stage design and performances.” And they’re not wrong. With a bespoke configuration and meticulous attention to detail, this GT3 RS is as performance-focused as it is artistic.

Underneath the eye-catching exterior lies Porsche’s finest performance tech. The Rennstall GT3 RS is equipped with the Weissach Package, offering extensive weight reduction through carbon-fiber panels and suspension upgrades. It rolls on lightweight magnesium wheels, stops with carbon-ceramic brakes, and features a Guards Red Sport Chrono package, matching the red tachometer and stopwatch inside. It’s a true enthusiast’s car, with every box ticked — and the aesthetic to match.

While not destined for Dua’s personal garage, the car was recently seen in action at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where she rode shotgun with Karen Gaillard of the all-female Iron Dames racing team. The car has covered just over 4,800 kilometers (3,000 miles), and now the question remains: what price will it fetch at auction?

Given its unique spec, celebrity provenance, and charitable cause, it wouldn’t be surprising if this Rennstall GT3 RS becomes one of the most coveted 911s to hit the block in recent memory. For collectors and Porsche purists alike, it represents a rare intersection of performance, personality, and purpose.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

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Dua Lipa’s Custom Porsche 911 GT3 RS Heads to Auction for Charity