PCARMARKET Auctions World’s Only RUF BTR III-Spec 911 Carrera Targa
One-of-a-kind BTR III-spec 911 Targa celebrates RUF engineering while paying homage to analog, air-cooled performance…
PCARMARKET (Pcarmarket), an online auction destination for Porsche enthusiasts, is presenting a one-of-a-kind auction featuring the world’s only 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa converted by RUF to BTR III specification. The vehicle goes live to auction on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. This exceptional air-cooled RUF Targa is thought to be the only example of its kind in the world, auction officials stated in a press release.
SV Automotive Engineering undertook the restoration of this RUF BTR III Targa as a tribute to founder Simo Veharanta’s close relationship with the German company. The restoration was approached with an emphasis on preserving the original character and identity of the RUF BTR III Targa. This included attention to both cosmetic presentation and underlying mechanical systems, allowing the RUF to maintain its authenticity.
First brought to RUF of Pfaffenhausen, Germany, and converted to their BTR III specification in 1990, the 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa represents a specialized configuration that differs significantly from a standard Carrera of the same era. During this period, RUF operated with a level of engineering depth that extended far beyond traditional aftermarket modification, developing advanced high-performance cars that were built to individual specification and often tailored to specific performance requirements for clients.
The RUF BTR III Targa was brought to the U.S., where the car remained with its original owner until 2024. After changing ownership, the Targa underwent a comprehensive restoration that addressed every major system, including a full repaint, interior refurbishment, suspension updates, a complete brake overhaul, and rebuilds of both the engine and transaxle.
Exterior: Guards Red Finish, RUF Speedline Wheels & Targa Roof
The exterior of the BTR III Targa is finished in Guards Red and features RUF-specific design elements that distinguish it from a standard 911 Targa, including a front spoiler and a Turbo-style rear spoiler that enhances both the car’s visual presence and aerodynamic on-road profile. The car sits on staggered 17-inch RUF Speedline wheels, a signature design associated with RUF-modified vehicles of the period.
As part of the restoration, multiple exterior components were addressed and replaced or refinished, including the windshield, trim, weatherstripping, lighting elements and bumper details. A removable Targa roof panel allows for open-air driving
Interior: Reupholstered With Period-Correct Stereo
Inside, the RUF BTR III Targa cabin is reupholstered in black leather and features striped velour inserts. The steering wheel has been rewrapped in black leather to match the surrounding interior.
The dashboard retains its original layout with clearly legible instrumentation, including a central tachometer with a 6,800-rpm redline, a 300-km/h speedometer, and additional gauges displaying oil pressure, oil temperature, oil level and fuel level. The interior also includes Sabelt harnesses, along with a Blaupunkt cassette stereo that maintains a period-correct audio setup.
Performance: RUF-Modified 3.4-Liter Turbo Flat-Six & G50 Transaxle
Power is provided by way of a RUF-modified turbocharged 3.4-liter BTR flat-six engine paired with a G50 5-speed manual transaxle, producing approximately 408 horsepower. The RUF BTR III specification incorporates technical updates, including increased injector capacity and Motronic engine management, contributing to improved performance and drivability under a range of conditions. Oil cooling is managed through systems located behind the front bumper and within the right front fender, helping to regulate temperatures during sustained driving.
Additional mechanical work completed during the restoration includes refinishing of the RUF Speedline wheels and installation of Toyo Proxes Sport tires, along with comprehensive updates to the braking system such as new rotors, pads, lines and related hardware.
The 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa RUF BTR III will be available for online bidding on Pcarmarket beginning Wednesday, April 1, with additional specifications and full listing information accessible through the platform.
