Unique Porsche 928 by Ruf Built for the Chairman of Samsung Heads to Auction

In the world of collectible grand tourers, few cars combine exclusivity, engineering pedigree, and celebrity provenance as convincingly as this one-off Porsche 928R. Built by the legendary German tuner Ruf for Lee Kun-Hee, former chairman of Samsung, this extraordinary coupe is now set to cross the auction block at Gooding Christie’s. With only around 2,500 kilometers covered since 1989, the car represents a true time capsule and a rare opportunity for collectors seeking something beyond the familiar 911 narrative.

A One-Off Creation by Ruf

Ruf Automobile is globally recognized for its extreme reinterpretations of the Porsche 911. However, in 1989 the company undertook a very different project based on the Porsche 928 platform. The result was the unique 928R, commissioned specifically for Lee Kun-Hee, who at the time led Samsung Group.

Unlike most tuned vehicles that begin life as customer cars, this example was constructed using a body shell sourced directly from Porsche and then completed at Ruf’s facilities. That fact alone elevates its status. It is not simply a modified 928 but a bespoke grand tourer engineered to Ruf standards.

Over 37 years, the vehicle has traveled approximately 2,500 kilometers, averaging fewer than 70 kilometers per year. For collectors in the UAE who value low mileage and pristine condition, this is the type of provenance that dramatically enhances long-term investment potential.

Technical Specifications of the Porsche 928R

While the 928 was originally conceived as a comfortable high-speed cruiser, Ruf added a sharper edge to this particular car. The technical upgrades were focused primarily on performance and driving refinement.

Under the hood sits a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine. In standard late-1980s specification, this unit produced 320 horsepower. Ruf increased output to 360 horsepower through internal engine modifications and recalibration. Torque figures were not officially disclosed, but the enhanced V8 delivers significantly stronger mid-range acceleration compared to the stock configuration.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission, preserving the grand touring character of the model. The combination of a torquey V8 and automatic gearbox makes the 928R an effortless high-speed cruiser, capable of covering long distances in supreme comfort.

Performance estimates based on the upgraded output suggest:

• Engine: 5.0L V8
  Power: 360 hp
  Transmission: 4-speed automatic
  Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
  0–100 km/h: approximately 5.5 seconds
  Top speed: around 270 km/h

In 2021, Ruf reacquired the car and implemented further enhancements. These included carbon-ceramic brakes for superior stopping performance and reduced unsprung weight, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a custom exhaust system designed to amplify the V8 soundtrack while improving airflow efficiency. These updates modernized the driving experience without compromising originality.

Bespoke Interior in Dark Red

Inside, the 928R distinguishes itself with a completely re-trimmed cabin finished in dark red tones. The color choice reflects late-1980s luxury aesthetics while giving the car a distinctive personality. The Porsche 928 was already known for its driver-focused cockpit and advanced ergonomics for the era, including integrated digital instrumentation and supportive grand touring seats.

The Ruf commission elevated materials and detailing further, transforming the interior into a personalized executive environment worthy of its original owner. For a chairman of a global technology conglomerate, exclusivity was essential, and this cabin delivers precisely that.

Investment Outlook and Auction Expectations

Gooding Christie’s estimates the sale price between 400,000 and 500,000 US dollars. Considering the car’s uniqueness, extremely low mileage, documented ownership history, and Ruf provenance, the estimate appears conservative.

Collectors have recently demonstrated strong appetite for rare Porsche models. As an example, a nearly unused Porsche Carrera GT achieved 3.305 million dollars at an auction conducted by RM Sotheby's, exceeding pre-sale expectations.

Although the 928R belongs to a different category than a Carrera GT, it offers something equally compelling: singularity. There is only one such car in existence, and it was built for one of Asia’s most influential industrial leaders.

For investors in Dubai and Abu Dhabi who closely follow limited-production Porsche models, this auction highlights an important trend. Unique factory collaborations and historically significant commissions are appreciating faster than many standard production sports cars.

Porsche 928 Legacy and Modern Relevance

The Porsche 928 itself was a groundbreaking model when introduced. Conceived as a technologically advanced V8 grand tourer, it featured a front-mounted aluminum V8 engine, transaxle layout for optimal weight distribution, and innovative passive rear-wheel steering known as the Weissach axle.

While the 911 ultimately remained Porsche’s flagship, the 928 has gained significant collector respect in recent years. Values for well-preserved examples have steadily increased, especially for rare variants and low-mileage cars.

For enthusiasts visiting the UAE, where long highways and smooth asphalt invite grand touring performance, cars like the 928 remain highly relevant. The balance of comfort, V8 power, and timeless design makes it an ideal companion for extended drives between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

If you are considering experiencing modern Porsche performance during your stay, explore our Porsche rental options in Dubai. Driving a contemporary 911 or Cayenne offers a glimpse into how far the brand has evolved since the era of the 928.

Why Rare Porsches Attract UAE Collectors

The UAE luxury car market places strong emphasis on exclusivity and low production numbers. Vehicles with unique stories, celebrity ownership, or factory-

level modifications often outperform standard variants in resale value.

This Ruf-built 928R checks all key boxes:

Single example ever produced
Direct connection to a global business icon
Extremely low mileage
Factory-level construction with Porsche-supplied body shell
Recent mechanical upgrades by Ruf

For serious collectors based in Dubai, such cars represent not only automotive passion but also diversified tangible assets.

The Porsche 928R by Ruf is more than a tuned grand tourer. It is a bespoke automotive statement crafted for one of the most powerful business figures of the late twentieth century. With just 2,500 kilometers on the odometer and modernized mechanical upgrades, it stands as both a historical artifact and a highly usable performance car.

As the auction approaches, global attention will likely intensify. Whether it sells within estimate or exceeds expectations, the 928R confirms an enduring truth in the collector market: rarity combined with documented provenance creates lasting value.

For those inspired by Porsche heritage and performance, RentCarUAE offers access to some of the most desirable Porsche models available for rent in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Experiencing German engineering firsthand remains the best way to understand why cars like the 928R continue to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.