Not Even Diehard Porsche Fans Knew About This Already Obscure One-Off

In the world of highly collectible Porsches, most people think of 911s and 356s. Then come other usual suspects, like the front-engine, water-cooled 944s, 968s and 928s.

Even the 914, early Cayman, Boxsters and Cayennes are now getting some love. But when it comes to any P-Car of value, the cream of the crop would be RUF models.

RUF is a German tuning firm best known for modifying and producing some of the fastest Porsches in all the land. Importantly, the outfit is known pretty much exclusively for its work with 911s.

But a RUF 928? We were unaware such a thing existed. You probably didn’t either, until now.

The rarest of the rare

Courtesy of the owner

In general, Porsche 928s are a rare sight nowadays. That’s because purists often perceive them as the bastard child compared to the 911 and the 356. Because of this, they’re often unloved, overlooked and very under-appreciated (except among those who know how truly special they are).

While all Porsches enjoy their fair share of community and enthusiasm, purists put the 911s and 356s at the top of the pedestal. Most other models aren’t as highly coveted, mostly because they deviated from the original rear-engine, air-cooled design of the 356 and the 911. The 928 is one of them.

Courtesy of the owner

Built as a more practical and comfortable alternative to the 911, Porsche introduced the 928 to diversify its portfolio. As expected, the 928 received a lot of flak. Especially from those who thought the 356 and 911 were the only “proper” Porsches.

Courtesy of the owner

Except, the 928 was a marvel in its own right and a very innovative and avant-garde automobile in its day. It won European Car of the Year in 1978.

The 928 also blended exceptional performance, comfort and luxury in a package never seen before. It was so ahead of its time, it wasn’t really appreciated until production ended and its allure rose in hindsight.

Courtesy of the owner

Its rounded, bulbous shape was unlike anything else from the era. Only curvaceous sheet metal from Britain or Italy stood out as much as the 928.

And the fact that RUF did one up makes this specific example all the more appreciable.

A true one-of-a-kind

Courtesy of the owner

Because RUF is known for working strictly with 911s, Boxsters and Caymans, this 928R’s very existence is a huge shocker. Even for the most ardent and hardcore Porsche fans.

That’s because RUF never officially modified 928s. The only reason why this specific 928R exists is because it was a one-off commission.

Courtesy of the owner

Built at the behest of the former chairman of the Samsung Group at the time, the late Lee Kun-Hee, RUF produced this 928R in 1989. While Mr. Kun-Hee was known for his position at Korea’s largest conglomerates, he was also known for his big love for cars. And, his massive collection, which the 928R came from.

Courtesy of the owner

Like other RUF models, the 928R received a hefty list of exterior and interior upgrades. Such include, but aren’t limited to, custom-made five-spoke RUF wheels, a subtle body kit, customized Wine-Red leather with RUF embossed headrests and a bespoke three-spoke RUF steering wheel lined with Alcantara.

Courtesy of the owner

More importantly, however, RUF worked its true magic to the 928’s then-original 5.0-liter fuel-injected M28/42 V8. Although RUF didn’t share specifics, the firm supposedly massaged the V8 to punch out 360 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.

That’s considerably more than the standard 928 S4’s 316 hp and 317 lb-ft on which it’s based on.

Courtesy of the owner

The 928 is already quite a special car. But what makes the RUF 928R even more special is that it’s the only one in existence.

Should you fancy landing this one-of-a-kind model in your collection, be ready to shell out anywhere between $400,000 to $500,000. Which is what Gooding & Co. estimates it will sell for.

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