2002 Ruf Volkswagen Beetle

I am a sucker for all things rare, this is nothing new.  Give me something low production or obscure and I am the first one on the bus.  Regardless of price or taste the rarity of a given car will encourage me to overlook a multitude of sins.

Enter this one off 2002 Ruf built Volkswagen Beetle.

Custom Ruf / Porsche / VW Ruf Bug New Beetle Turbo “S” Concept Car:

From the seller -

“You immediately notice the incredible Attention to Detail. The Fit and Finish and overall Clean OEM styling. The Craftsmanship and subtle marriage of Form and Function make it clear that this car is truly something unique and quite special.

There is an “underplayed irresistibility” about this car that’s difficult to put into words. The feel of the Billet controls between your fingers suggests quality far beyond what you’d expect.

The sensation of being behind the wheel of a purposeful 225hp Six Speed VW Beetle with the turbo spooling, pushing you into your seat as you accelerate from 70 to 120 MPH in seconds, is something one once could only dream about. It’s now a reality!

This is the car Alois Ruf would have built, had he the inclination to ever modify a New Beetle. The car born from the VW / Porsche / Audi and RUF families. The marriage of technical innovation and tasteful creativity!

At speed or sitting still, this car garners attention unlike anything else you’ve ever owned or driven. The fascination, compliments and appreciation people seem to shower on this car, have made the entire project worthwhile.

Whether used as a very unique, one of a kind, attention grabbing “Daily Driver”, Blue Chip Investment, or as an exclusive addition to an existing Car Collection, the RUF Bug is without a doubt the epitome of a classic and the only one of it’s kind in the world!”

While I appreciate the seller’s enthusiasm, and I really do, $60k asking price for this car is really high.  It is a beautiful creature that has the panache of a much more expensive automobile.  But if I am spending $60k I am going to need more than 225 HP and 2wd.

Tuners such as HPA have been tweaking these cars for over a decade.  Transplanting Audi powerplants and Audi AWD into the much smaller Beetle with great results.  That said, this Beetle has some amazing finishing touches that would be impossible to replicate.

Which brings us to the age old question with tuner cars, even renowned ones such as this.  Would you rather look good or go fast?  It is the rare combination that gives you both.  I am sure there is an enthusiast out there with the want and cash to procure this RUF Beetle.  To them, I say congratulations and enjoy this great looking car.

~Aaron.