This is the Only RUF 928R That Exists in the World—and It's for Sale

A True One of One Model

Words such as rare, limited edition, or exclusive are sure to drive up the value of any classic car. We've even come to a point where people say one of (insert random number here) with a certain configuration. Anything to add a couple more dollars to the sale, right?

Well, what we have here is a true one-of-one model. It's a RUF 928S, and it's the only Porsche 928-based model that received a true RUF VIN, so this isn't a standard 928 with some extras fitted on top. The sole RUF 928S was produced in 1989 for a very well-heeled customer.

Ownership History

The first owner of this one-off 928S was Lee Kun-hee, and if you're familiar with the world of electronics, he was the longtime chairman of Samsung. Now, we won't get into whatever controversies that surround his name or the chaebol culture in South Korea. For the purposes of this story, Mr. Lee loved cars very much.

Over the decades, Lee amassed a car collection that consisted of rare and bespoke vehicles, and the occasional race car or two...or more. It's all part of the Samsung Collection, and some of the vehicles that formed it have been put up for sale since Lee's passing in 2020.

The story of this particular 928 is interesting as its body-in-white was sent straight to RUF and built to the chairman's specifications. The build was completed in September 1989 and boasts a legit W09-VIN and a special plaque that bears Lee's name. After his passing, it's said that the car was reacquired by RUF and mechanically restored with a few more modifications thrown in. It's now being sold by Gooding Christie's for the upcoming Amelia Island auction.

The Specs

We're glad to report that RUF's special touches extend beyond cosmetics. Its 5.0-liter V8 has been massaged to produce more power, as it's the RUF way. From 316 hp and 317 lb-ft. of torque, it's been increased to 360 hp and 354 lb-ft. Sure, it doesn't sound like a lot today, but those were heady figures in 1989. That said, if we had a bank account that resembled a phone number, we'd as RUF to stick in a manual instead of the four-speed automatic that's fitted to this car.

Inside, the cabin is draped in wine-red trims from top to bottom. The RUF logo is embossed on the headrests, and the entire steering wheel is trimmed in Alcantara. You won't find a single Porsche badge where your eyes normally go in here. One interior modification is the radio that resembles classic head units but is thoroughly modern under the skin.

Speaking of which, the car originally didn't wear those 19-inch alloys. Those were fitted to accommodate a larger set of RUF carbon ceramic brakes, which, if you ask us, is a bit overkill for a car with 360 horsepower. A new exhaust was also bolted on to the car as part of its modernization program.

How Much?

We'll never know its price when it was new because it went straight into the collection after it was built. Of course, it's safe to assume that it cost truckloads of Deutsche Marks at the very least. What we do know is the estimated hammer price for it.

According to Gooding Christie's, they're expecting the RUF 928S to go for between $400,000 to $500,000. Given its significance and the fact that it's a one-off, we're not totally surprised by that figure. Funnily enough, a far more regular 928 went for so much more a few years ago. If you remember the Risky Business car that went up for auction, that one was sold for a whopping $1.98 million. If you put things into perspective, this 928S is an absolute bargain for the one-percenters.

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