In November 2004, RUF debuted its first house-built automobile, the Rt12. At first glance, its Porsche roots were obvious, and it utilized Porsche’s then-new 997-generation chassis. Look closer, however, and you will discover that the Rt12 is an entirely different beast.

The Rt12, built on the wider body shell of the 997-generation Carrera, represents no less than the sensational top of the small but noble RUF product pyramid. The first distinction is the Rt12’s powerplant, a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six based on an earlier “M96” blueprint. It is mated to a RUF-built transaxle and limited-slip rear differential, routing power rearward through massive 12.5-inch-wide tires. A proprietary and fully adjustable RUF hydraulic suspension system (with front axle lift function) underpins the car’s chassis, while braking is handled by a set of eight-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) calipers tucked inside a staggered set of three-piece OZ Superleggera wheels. To further maximize weight savings, the model’s bumpers, hood, and rear decklid are all made of carbon fiber.

An integrated roll cage is cleverly hidden behind the sumptuously appointed interior trim, and the cabin is further appointed with all the amenities one would expect from a roadgoing Porsche of the most refined variety. When equipped with the optional “tall” gearing package, the Rt12 could reportedly reach a top speed in excess of 224 miles per hour.

Each example of the Rt12 was thoroughly personalized to the specifications of the buyer, and it is believed that fewer than 15 examples were completed by RUF in total during the model’s five-year availability.

The Rt12 offered here was finished at RUF’s Pfaffenhausen, Germany factory in the spring of 2009 and reportedly delivered to a very prominent business leader and car collector in South Korea. In his older years, the South Korean business tycoon had a well-known penchant for being driven around in two-seat sports cars, as opposed to an executive class saloon or limousine. This particular car’s five-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission provides an interesting clue towards this “passenger” theory. It was specified in a striking color combination of Candy Apple Red Metallic over ivory leather with additional carbon fiber accents, red brake calipers, and standard seats. As just one of the tycoon’s many exotic cars, this Rt12 remained sparingly used during his decade of ownership.

As such, since having been acquired by another individual and exported from South Korea in December 2020, this Rt12 displayed just 4,007 kilometers (~2,489 miles) since new at the time of cataloguing.

The opportunity to acquire a RUF Rt12 is unlikely to repeat itself with any regularity. Very few examples were produced, and well-sorted ones rarely come up for sale on account of their splendid drivability. With its striking appearance and exceptionally low mileage, this particular example is one not to be missed. It would be an awesome accompaniment to any serious collection of modern Porsches or European sports cars.