{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-media-details-index-jsx","path":"/press/article/meet-the-dragon-how-ruf-created-a-one-of-one-masterpiece","result":{"data":{"contentfulPost":{"slug":"meet-the-dragon-how-ruf-created-a-one-of-one-masterpiece","subtitle":null,"title":"Meet the Dragon – How RUF Created a One-of-One Masterpiece","body":{"json":{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"RUF is one of those marques that falls firmly into the “","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"italic"}],"value":"if you know, you know” ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"category. Bespoke, powerful, and exhilarating, RUFs are beloved by enthusiasts who want a sporty silhouette with an even-more-insane engine to back it up. Rare and highly sought after, these cars are hard to come by, and even harder to forget. Luckily, one of the most extraordinary examples is about to go up for sale with no reserve this November at ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.christies.com/en/auction/retromobile-new-york-auctions-25352-nyg/overview?utm_source=OnlyUpside&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=RetroNY_OnlyUpside_RUFDragon"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"underline"},{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Retromobile New York Auctions","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":".","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{"target":{"metadata":{"tags":[],"concepts":[]},"sys":{"space":{"sys":{"type":"Link","linkType":"Space","id":"moe5wzpj72u9","contentful_id":"moe5wzpj72u9"}},"id":"c5hkPYPEhraxhQ91qGwv7w8","type":"Asset","createdAt":"2026-10-21T00:39:20.485Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-21T00:39:20.485Z","environment":{"sys":{"id":"master","type":"Link","linkType":"Environment","contentful_id":"master"}},"publishedVersion":5,"revision":1,"contentful_id":"5hkPYPEhraxhQ91qGwv7w8"},"fields":{"title":{"en-US":"1998 RUF Project Dragon // Retromobile New York Auctions"},"description":{"en-US":""},"file":{"en-US":{"url":"//images.ctfassets.net/moe5wzpj72u9/5hkPYPEhraxhQ91qGwv7w8/0bfd3ee3faae5c7621dfb120f03502f7/77796462-F3Q-1.jpg","details":{"size":399292,"image":{"width":1200,"height":613}},"fileName":"77796462-F3Q-1.jpg","contentType":"image/jpeg"}}}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-asset-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Of course, there’s no better place for this special car to make its auction debut than Gooding Christie’s highly anticipated sale at New York’s first Retromobile. If you haven’t heard about the auction, allow us to fill you in: it’s shaping up to be a wild one, with some of the finest Ferraris ever assembled, Billy Joel’s motorcycles, and now, the ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6612317?utm_source=OnlyUpside&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=RetroNY_OnlyUpside_RUFDragon"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"underline"},{"type":"bold"}],"value":"1998 RUF Project Dragon","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":". ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Inspired by the legendary CTR2 Sport, The RUF team set out to incorporate new innovations since the making of the CTR2 Sport, such as carbon-fiber construction, better suspension, braking, engine management and computer-aided design. A true scientific approach was taken to optimize the CTR2 even further, while maintaining the character and visual language of the OG. The result was a one-off known as Project Dragon. ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"The collector who commissioned this car was just as passionate about the project as the team bringing it to life. “This is the car I wanted to build back in 1997/98 when the CTR2 Sport was introduced, but the technology did not exist yet then.” Despite owning several CTR2s, including both standard and Sport models, the collector continued to dream of what the car could become with the right technology.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Once the owner was ready to commit both financially and emotionally to such an ambitious undertaking, the team got to work. The new car had to retain the original’s distinctive rear clamshell bi-wing, as well as the original’s very wide body. But Project Dragon’s bodywork took things a step further: it’s outer shell was constructed entirely from carbon fiber and integrated with the roll cage, a feature that had become one of RUF’s signatures. ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Just like the original CTR2, Project Dragon features separate airflow paths integrated into the rear bodywork, with the lower intake supplying induction air to the engine; and the upper passage directing cooling air to the change-air system. Twin turbochargers are paired with specially designed pressure pipes to optimize airflow and further increase performance. ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"And the results speak for themselves. Output was quoted at 621 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 834 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm, all delivered exclusively to the rear wheels. ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Naturally, the high level of customization extended to the car’s appearance, too. Working with RUF’s team, a series of paint samples were developed, using RUF’s Blut Orange and Continental Orange as starting points. The eventual Dragon Fire Orange was created and carried throughout the automobile. With the classic RUF Lollipop seats, the consignor had them befitted in semi-aniline leather, while seat backs were finished in Dragon Fire Orange and adorned with contrasting RUF logos. ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Delivered new in March 2024, Project Dragon had just 759 miles at the time of cataloguing and presents in virtually new condition throughout. It comes equipped with its RUF build book, which documents the car’s construction and features, as well as manuals, service records, paint and fabric samples, a car cover, tool kit, air compressor and first-aid kit. ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Project Dragon is a remarkable example of the alchemy that happens when RUF engineering meets a collector’s personal vision and the possibilities of modern technology. And there’s plenty more to discover this November at ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.christies.com/en/auction/retromobile-new-york-auctions-25352-nyg/overview?utm_source=OnlyUpside&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=RetroNY_OnlyUpside_RUFDragon"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"underline"},{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Retromobile New York","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":", with Gooding Christie’s specifically! The ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.christies.com/en/auction/retromobile-new-york-auctions-25352-nyg/browse-lots?utm_source=OnlyUpside&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=RetroNY_OnlyUpside_RUFDragon"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"underline"},{"type":"bold"}],"value":"catalogue","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" is already available, so take a look, explore the other offerings, and ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.christies.com/en/auction/retromobile-new-york-auctions-25352-nyg/overview?utm_source=OnlyUpside&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=RetroNY_OnlyUpside_RUFDragon"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"underline"},{"type":"bold"}],"value":"register to bid","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" if you’re ready to get behind the wheel of something extraordinary.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"document"}},"image":null,"hidden":true}},"pageContext":{"id":"5v0pDLTh6AAMajQYHh3XdV"}},"staticQueryHashes":["1232715398","1367687668","2137735939","63159454"]}