The world of rare collector cars often hides fascinating stories that only resurface decades later. Among those stories stands one extraordinary machine that almost disappeared from public memory. The Ruf 928R represents a rare moment when personal luxury, engineering ambition, and German craftsmanship came together to create something truly unique.
During the nineteen eighties, Ruf earned global fame for transforming Porsche 911 models into high performance icons admired by enthusiasts and collectors alike. However, one special request changed that formula completely. Instead of building another extreme version of the famous rear engine sports car, Ruf accepted a private commission from a powerful figure in Asia. That request led to the creation of a single car unlike any other Porsche ever modified by the German company.
Now in 2026, this mysterious machine is preparing for a dramatic return to the spotlight. The car will appear at the prestigious Gooding and Company auction, where collectors from around the world are expected to compete for ownership of this remarkable automotive artifact. With only one example ever produced, the Ruf 928R represents far more than just another classic sports car. It tells a story about ambition, exclusivity, and a unique chapter in the relationship between luxury clients and elite German engineering.
The origin of the Ruf 928R begins with one of the most influential business leaders in Asia. Lee Kun Hee, the late chairman of Samsung Group, was not simply a car enthusiast. He was known for his appreciation of engineering excellence and refined luxury. When he approached Ruf with a special request, his goal was clear. He wanted a car that combined grand touring comfort with the thrilling performance that Ruf was famous for delivering.
Instead of choosing the legendary Porsche 911 platform, Lee Kun Hee selected the Porsche 928 as the foundation for the project. At the time, this decision stood out as unusual. The 911 had already become the ultimate canvas for Ruf creations, but the 928 offered a very different character. Its front engine layout and balanced chassis made it ideal for long distance driving while still delivering impressive performance.
Ruf agreed to the challenge and began building the car almost entirely from scratch. The company obtained a bare chassis directly from Porsche and started transforming it into a completely unique machine. Engineers carefully reworked the vehicle with custom components and specialized tuning to ensure it stood apart from any standard Porsche 928 ever produced.
This personalized approach resulted in a car that blended the refinement expected by a global business leader with the performance reputation that made Ruf famous. The finished vehicle received the name 928R, symbolizing both its Porsche roots and Ruf engineering philosophy. Over time the car became an extremely rare collector piece, partly because it remained hidden within Lee Kun Hee personal collection for decades.
Beneath the long hood of the Ruf 928R lies the heart of the car performance identity. Ruf equipped the vehicle with a naturally aspirated 5.0 liter V8 engine that received extensive mechanical upgrades from the German engineering team. These modifications significantly enhanced the power output, allowing the engine to deliver around 360 horsepower along with 480 newton meters of torque.
Unlike the aggressive track focused personality of many modified 911 models, the 928R focused on delivering smooth and powerful grand touring performance. Ruf paired the upgraded V8 engine with a four speed automatic transmission. This setup ensured that the car maintained effortless acceleration while also offering comfortable cruising during long distance journeys.
The engineering improvements extended beyond the engine itself. Ruf installed a reinforced braking system equipped with advanced carbon ceramic brake discs. This technology provided strong stopping power and improved durability, bringing the braking performance closer to what modern supercars offer today.
The car also received lightweight 19 inch aluminum wheels designed with a five spoke layout. These wheels enhanced stability and contributed to the confident road presence of the 928R. Together, the engine tuning, braking upgrades, and chassis enhancements created a grand touring machine capable of blending luxury comfort with serious performance capability.
Collectors now view the Ruf 928R as more than just a rare modified Porsche. It represents a fascinating engineering experiment that proved Ruf expertise extended far beyond the famous 911 platform. With its upcoming appearance at auction, enthusiasts are eager to see whether this one of a kind creation will cross the half million dollar mark and cement its place among the most valuable Ruf cars ever built.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.