1987 RUF BTR Slantnose Cabriolet | 2024 Lime Rock Historic Festival
Every year on Labor Day weekend, Lime Rock Park in Northwest Connecticut becomes a classic car lover’s dream, with rare vehicles, thrilling races, and a celebration of motor history. The Lime Rock Historic Festival showcases remarkable classic vehicles as part of the Lime Rock Concours and Gathering of the Marques. The festival also features exciting vintage racing events and a Sports Car Parade.
At the 2024 Lime Rock Historic Festival, we had the pleasure of seeing a breathtaking custom 1987 Porsche RUF BTR Slantnose Cabriolet, showcased by its enthusiastic owner, Tom Turnak.
Tom gave us a tour of this historic car, both inside and out, highlighting its exclusive features that were unique to RUF Automobile’s version of the Porsche 930. Only one other car in the world exists in this configuration, making Tom’s car an exceptional rarity that’s truly a sight to behold.
History of the 1987 RUF BTR Porsche
Porsche shipped this stunning 930 Cabriolet to RUF Automobile in Pfaffenhausen, Germany. RUF had been reconstructing new Porsche models since 1981, updating finished Porsches to craft tailored versions for individual buyers. The company upgraded each Porsche’s powertrain, mechanical components, and cabin according to its customers’ preferences.
RUF Automobile’s first Porsche reconstruction was a powerful turbocharged 3.4-liter RUF BTR in 1983. RUF improved upon the standard 930 engine by equipping it with larger pistons and turbochargers as well as matching intercoolers.
Additionally, RUF enhanced the 930’s handling by stiffening the suspension and increasing the brake size. The company also lowered the car’s stance and updated its exhaust to further enhance the car’s performance.
With RUF’s extraordinary specification enhancements, Porsche 930s became even more awe-inspiring, and they were some of the fastest cars of the 1980s. Today, these RUF BTR cars are incredibly valuable, usually changing hands for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Porsche RUF BTR Specifications
RUF upgraded the Porsche 930 Slantnose Cabriolet with a single-turbo engine that could deliver 425 horsepower, 145 more than the standard 930 engines. One of the key features that makes this particular unit unique is its 5-speed transmission. Porsche didn’t believe that a 5-speed transmission could handle the 930’s power, but RUF converted Porsche’s standard 4-speed to a 5-speed with a dog-leg first gear.
The car’s engine specifications make for an incredible driving experience. Tom described both accelerating and decelerating the vehicle as thrilling, particularly enjoying the feel and sound of the engine as it grumbles and pops when the wastegate opens. When he pushes the car hard, the exhaust even emits flames, adding to the excitement of the driving experience.
In addition to raw power, the car is also incredibly smooth, especially compared to standard 930s. Tom noted that while typical 930s have a somewhat unpredictable power curve, the RUF BTR features a linear acceleration profile, making for a remarkably smooth drive despite its impressive power.
1987 RUF BTR Porsche Exterior
Porsche originally delivered this 930 Cabriolet to RUF in white, and RUF specced it in Ferrari Red. Overall, the car resembles the convertible version of the Porsche 930 Slant Nose Cabriolet, with its iconic wide stance and sporty styling choices.
The Slant Nose version of the 930 is distinct from other 930s due to its pop-up headlamps, as standard 930s featured Porsche’s famous bug-eye headlamps. The car also boasts remodeled front fenders as well as distinct body panels derived from the 935, further distinguishing it from other 930s of that era.
In addition to providing a unique style, the car’s Slant Nose improved the 930’s aerodynamics, making it a perfect body styling choice for the RUF’s upgraded single-turbo engine.
Porsche RUF BTR Ownership History
Since RUF Automobile reconstructed this Porsche in the 1980s, it has changed hands several times. At one point, Bill Mow, CEO of the iconic Bugle Boy Jeans, was the car’s owner. Bill Mow’s contribution to this car is an eye-catching custom stereo, which he commissioned from acclaimed custom-SUV builder Howard Becker.
A few years ago, Tom purchased the car from a childhood friend. Tom had dreamed of owning a turbocharged air-cooled car from a young age. As a child, he often rode in the back of a 930 owned by his friend’s father. The experience sparked a lasting passion for turbocharged air-cooled cars.
Decades later, the same friend purchased this remarkable Porsche RUF BTR on eBay. Tom regularly asked his friend to buy the Porsche, and after years of waiting patiently, his friend was willing to part ways with it.
Tom clearly still adores his breathtaking RUF BTR Porsche. He raved about its seemingly endless power, with incredibly smooth handling and a high-output engine that feels truly limitless. His passion for turbocharged air-cooled vehicles remains as strong as his Porsche’s remarkable engine.
Get Premium Insurance for Your Classic Porsche
Whether you’re driving a RUF BTR Porsche, a standard Porsche, or another classic ride, you need to protect it with the best auto insurance available. Here at Classic Auto Insurance, we provide Porsche owners with flexible insurance policies based on agreed-upon value. We tailor our policies to each customer’s unique needs, ensuring that your vehicle has optimal protection.
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