The RUF CTR Yellowbird (1987) is a legendary supercar built by RUF Automobile, a German manufacturer known for transforming Porsche 911s into bespoke, high-performance machines. Unveiled in 1987, the CTR (Group C, Turbo RUF) was designed to outpace rivals like the Porsche 959 and Ferrari F40, earning the title of the world’s fastest production car with a verified top speed of 211 mph (339 km/h) at VW’s Ehra-Lessien test track. Hand-crafted in Pfaffenhausen, Germany, the Yellowbird gained its nickname from a Road & Track journalist for its bright yellow paint and agile handling, becoming an icon through its raw performance and the 1987 “Faszination on the Nürburgring” video, where driver Stefan Roser showcased its demanding dynamics at the Nürburgring.The CTR is powered by a 3.4L twin-turbo flat-six engine, based on the Porsche 911 Turbo’s 3.3L unit but enlarged and modified with a single KKK turbo per bank, dual intercoolers, and Bosch Motronic fuel injection. It produces 469 hp at 5,950 rpm and 408 lb-ft (553 Nm) at 5,100 rpm, driving the rear wheels through a RUF-tuned 5-speed manual gearbox. Weighing just 1,150 kg (2,535 lbs), it achieves 0-60 mph in 3.65 seconds (Road & Track), 0-100 mph in 7.2 seconds, and a top speed of 211 mph, with a power-to-weight ratio of 408 hp/tonne. The lightweight steel chassis, derived from the Porsche 911, features RUF-specific upgrades: stiffer springs, Bilstein shocks, a lower suspension, and 17-inch RUF Speedline wheels (8-inch front, 10-inch rear) with Dunlop Denloc tires (225/50 VR17 front, 255/40 VR17 rear). Braking is handled by 12.6-inch Porsche 930 Turbo brakes without ABS, emphasizing driver skill.The CTR’s design refines the Porsche 911’s iconic shape with functional enhancements: wider fenders, side air intakes for intercoolers, an integrated whale-tail spoiler, and a front spoiler for aerodynamic balance. Early units featured bright yellow paint, though other colors (e.g., black, red) were offered, with yellow becoming synonymous with its legend. The interior is spartan yet purposeful, with lightweight Recaro bucket seats, a full roll cage, a 5-speed manual shifter, and minimal creature comforts (no air conditioning, basic radio). The analog gauges and lack of electronic aids underscore its purist ethos, requiring expert handling to manage turbo lag and oversteer.Priced at $223,000 in 1987 (~$600,000 in 2025 USD), the CTR was a premium supercar, with only 29 original units built, plus 20-29 conversions from customer 911s, totaling around 49-58 vehicles. Its rarity and performance have driven collector values to $1.2-$1.8 million, with a 2017 RM Sotheby’s sale fetching over $1 million. The Yellowbird’s cultural impact is profound, featured in Gran Turismo, Forza, and Top Gear (rated among the best 911s), with Road & Track praising its “world’s fastest” title and Hagerty noting its “unmatched” legacy. Its demanding nature—described as a “widowmaker” due to turbo lag—adds to its mystique, making it a revered icon for enthusiasts.