1997 RUF BTR2 Cabriolet
6
For the Collectors: You may find a few almost invisible scratches or flawed paintwork, but it comes with full original books and service records.
We are proud to present this 1997 RUF BTR2 Cabriolet, an extraordinary wide-bodied 993 with a remarkable backstory and direct connection to Alois Ruf’s vision. Based on a Porsche 993 Carrera 2S Cabriolet and converted in the United States under guidance from RUF in Germany, this car represents a rare and highly individual expression of the BTR lineage.
The BTR name holds a special place in RUF’s history. First introduced in the 1980s, the Gruppe B Turbo Ruf was a groundbreaking creation that elevated the 911 Turbo into an entirely new league. With extensive engine, chassis, and aerodynamic upgrades, it was a car that put RUF on the global map as a manufacturer in its own right.
When the 993 generation arrived, RUF followed up with the BTR2, a single-turbocharged variant of the 3.6-liter flat-six that delivered a raw 420HP. Compared to the 993 Turbo’s twin-turbo setup, the BTR2 was lighter, sharper, and more visceral, designed for purists who wanted maximum driver engagement.
This particular car, VIN 1116, was purchased-new from Porsche Hartford in 1997 and immediately marked for conversion. Its first owner envisioned creating the first wide-bodied 993 Cabriolet in BTR2 specification. He discussed the project directly with Alois Ruf, and together they outlined a plan that would come to life in two distinct phases, executed by leading Porsche specialists in the United States.
The aesthetic transformation was entrusted to a respected Porsche workshop in Connecticut, renowned for its craftsmanship and long-standing reputation. From the outset, the new cabriolet was stripped and rebuilt with a Turbo-style wide rear section, a RUF fixed wing, EVO-style front bumper with spoiler lip, BTR side skirts, and a leather-covered RUF roll bar. The car instantly took on the muscular, purposeful stance of a true RUF creation, while retaining the elegance of the open-top 993.
Once the bodywork was complete, the car was shipped to a highly regarded Porsche performance center in Florida, where the mechanical transformation was carried out. RUF supplied the required components from Germany, along with detailed build instructions. The flat-six was converted to single-turbo specification with a RUF exhaust, the suspension was upgraded with RUF sway bars and springs, and larger brakes were fitted. The conversion was completed in 1998, and the car was celebrated by the builder as one of the most distinctive projects to pass through the shop.
Though the conversion was not performed in Pfaffenhausen, it was completed with authentic RUF parts and under Alois Ruf’s direction, making it one of the most distinctive BTR2s ever built. Over time, additional RUF components were added, including a steering wheel, shifter, floor mats, 18-inch wheels, and door sills, all sourced directly from RUF in Germany. A custom hardtop from France was fitted, and the front bumper was updated to a Turbo wide-body specification, further refining the car’s appearance.
As with many RUF cars of this era, official records were lost in a fire at RUF following this build, making firsthand documentation all the more valuable. What is certain is that this Cabriolet was among the very first 993 BTR conversions of its kind and almost certainly the only one conceived as a wide-bodied cabriolet.
Following its completion, the car passed to a physician as its second owner, then to the physician’s spouse, and finally to its current custodian, who acquired it in 2012 with just 12,787 miles on the odometer.
Today, this 1997 RUF BTR2 Cabriolet stands as an irreplaceable piece of RUF history. It combines the heritage of the iconic BTR with the elegance of a wide-body cabriolet, making it a unique collector’s opportunity. With its rarity, documented history, and direct connection to Alois Ruf’s vision, this car represents a fascinating chapter in the story of one of the most respected names in high-performance Porsche engineering.
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