The world’s only RUF-built 928R pairs a tuned 5.0-litre V8 with a black-over-bordeaux combo.
When one hears the name RUF, the mind usually jumps straight to a very fast (and likely very yellow) 911. Yet the famed German manufacturer didn’t limit its expertise to Porsche with engines up their bottoms, as it actually once also turned its attention to a 928 as well.
Though “a” is very much the operative word here, as what you are looking at is the world’s only RUF-built 928R. And good news for deep-pocketed collectors: it’s set to cross the block with Gooding & Company at the Amelia Island auctions in early March.
Just adding further provenance to what is already an exceptionally special machine too, this particular 928 was actually commissioned new by former Lee Kun-Hee, long-time chairman of the Samsung Group. RUF began the project from a factory-supplied body-in-white built to his personal specifications, effectively making this a genuine RUF product rather than a converted Porsche.
Power comes from the 928’s 5.0-litre V8, but RUF has naturally massaged it a bit, meaning that its standard 316 hp has since become a more serious 360 hp. A plaque confirms its original owner, though it perhaps is a bit unfortunate (but fitting for a GT that) all that muscle is still channelled to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission.
Visually, this RUF creation keeps things understated with a gloss black exterior, but inside it’s a different story, with a rich wine-red leather cabin taking centre stage. RUF logos are embossed into the headrests, while the steering wheel is fully trimmed in Alcantara.
Remarkably, the car covered just 2,523 km under Lee’s ownership before his passing. It then remained within the Samsung collection for several years thereafter, before eventually returning to RUF itself.
And during this period back with its maker, the car underwent a mechanical refresh and received a handful of sympathetic upgrades, including 19-inch RUF wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, a RUF classic radio, and a revised exhaust system.
Finally on the topic of how much this 928 will actually fetch, estimates currently sit between $400,000 (RM 1.55 million) and $500,000 (RM 1.95 million). Though given its one-off status and genuine RUF chassis identity, most observers expect bidding to comfortably exceed that range.
Even then, it still has some way to go before claiming the title of most valuable 928 ever sold. That honour currently belongs to the movie car from Risky Business, which famously achieved a staggering $1.98 million (RM 7.8 million) at auction.
