2006 RUF Rt12 S

The name RUF has only become more legendary over the last few years, if that is even conceivable. Cars bearing the name of Alois that were built in Pfaffenhausen, Germany have exploded in value. Want to bear witness? Check out today’s car – an Rt12 rebuilt to S specification. It’s been a bit of an internet star on its own; I wrote the car up back in 2017, when there was less information about it. It had been owned by Ed Bolian, YouTuber extraordinaire, and the asking price was just over $200,000 with ~27,500 miles. The asking price dipped below the $200k mark before a 30k refurb was performed between 2018 and 2019, and 2022 it was offered for sale at the RM – Sotheby’s Amelia Island auction in March of this past year. The sale price? $434,000. Not done, it hit Bring a Trailer in August 2022, with bids ringing in at just below $400,000 with no sale. Now, it’s back up for sale on eBay. Along the way the wheels were refinished silver and the seats were redone with pepita inserts. That, plus the $30k in mechanical work, has resulted in quite the increase in the asking price…

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2006 RUF Rt12 S on eBay

Year: 2006
Model: Rt12 S
VIN: W09BB03816PR06070
Engine: 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged flat-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 30,900 mi
Location: Portland, Oregon
Price: $479,900 Buy It Now

* Finished in matte black over cocoa brown leather with pepita inserts * One of very few produced; believed to be the only example within the states * Upgraded to its current S specification by RUF in February 2011 * Powered by 3.8-liter, twin-turbocharged flat-six rated at 694 hp; RUF six-speed transaxle with tall gear configuration * Treated to a thorough mechanical commissioning in 2019 by RUF-trained technician using OEM RUF components

So the best part of $500,000 sure seems pretty crazy given that only five years ago you could have had the same car with fewer miles for under $200,000. However, as I mentioned before the break, RUF pricing is outrageous today. A similar car sold in February 2022 for *gulp* $910,000 plus fees. BaT has another S-specification for sale right now, and it seems likely it will surpass bidding on this one last time around. Even the non-turbocharged RUFs are selling in the $300,000 range. So in that context, this one is a deal? It’s hard to say. There were only a few Rt12s made, and this one has been upgraded to S specification and generally looks great if you don’t mind the matte black paint. It’ll be interesting to see if these cars continue to hold their value over the next few years.

-Carter