The sole 1989 RUF 928R—a genuine RUF-built model based on the Porsche 928 chassis with authentic W09 VIN—is set for Gooding & Company's Amelia Island auction on March 5 at 3 p.m. EST. Commissioned by the late Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee, this low-mileage grand tourer (1,568 miles) features RUF performance upgrades and bespoke details, with estimates of $400,000–$500,000.
Built in 1989, the RUF 928R is unique as the only RUF model derived from the Porsche 928, assembled from a body-in-white supplied directly to RUF, earning it an official W09 VIN rather than a typical tuner conversion. Commissioned for Lee Kun-hee's extensive Samsung collection of rare cars, it includes a plaque bearing his name and was completed in September 1989.
After accumulating just 1,568 miles (2,510 km), the car joined the collection until Lee's death in 2020. RUF reacquired it, performing a full mechanical restoration with additional updates.
Power comes from a RUF-tuned 5.0-liter V8 producing 360 horsepower and 354 pound-feet (480 Nm) of torque—up from the stock 928's 316 hp/317 lb-ft—paired with a four-speed automatic transmission suited to its grand tourer role. The exterior in black paint rides on 19-inch RUF alloy wheels fitted for carbon-ceramic brakes and a revised exhaust system.
The interior blends wine-red leather and Alcantara trim, with RUF logos embossed on headrests, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, power sunroof, climate control, and a retro-style Ruf classic radio with modern internals. Notably, it carries no Porsche badging.
Auctioned at Gooding & Company's Amelia Island sale, the car comes complete with original books, toolkit, jack, compressor, and first aid kit. Its rarity, provenance, low mileage, and RUF heritage justify the $400,000–$500,000 estimate, marking a rare front-engined highlight in RUF's 1980s portfolio.