1989 Ruf Porsche CTR Yellowbird Lands at Petersen Auto Museum
Finely-tuned Porsche speed demon on display, #001, was the first Yellowbird produced.
The Petersen Automotive Museum always offers an unrivaled experience in seeing some of the most amazing vehicles ever created, especially Porsches. We came across this stunning 1989 Ruf Porsche CTR Yellowbird on a recent visit to the Los Angeles-based museum.
The Yellowbird was built and tuned by German automaker Ruf Automobile. They used the 911 Carrera 3.2 as the basis for the build. This model is chassis #001, the first production Yellowbird.
Ruf tuned the Yellowbird to be a high-performance Porsche with intense velocity. And they succeeded.
Powered by a 3.4L flat six twin turbocharged engine, the Yellowbird produced over 500 hp and hit top speeds of 211 mph.
In addition to the tuned engine, the Porsche modified with an upgraded suspension and brakes, custom 5-speed transmission, larger wheels, and a lighter body. The body panels, doors, hood and other parts used aluminum pieces to lighten the weight. They also utilized fiberglass in the bumpers, and added rear flares for increased airflow.
Road and Track magazine took the Yellowbird out on the track for a series of tests. The Porsche was featured in the magazine after hitting 211 mph, basically tearing up the track and dropping jaws.
Photographs by D.M. Ciminelli
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