New York, N.Y. (October 6, 2026) – Global collector car market leader Gooding Christie’s has announced the first ever offering for Project Dragon, a one-off RUF commission, at its inaugural auction as the official auction house of Retromobile New York on November 20 and 21. Over the past five years, Gooding Christie’s has established itself as a market leader for RUF automobiles, setting numerous model and marque records at important venues like Florida and Pebble Beach. The auction house continues this tradition by bringing this singular commission to market for its New York debut.
The one-off 1998 RUF Project Dragon (Estimate: $6,000,000 – $8,000,000, Without Reserve) reinterprets the celebrated CTR2 Sport, preserving its distinctive character and visual identity while incorporating contemporary engineering and manufacturing techniques. Constructed using the final unused W09 body-in-white retained by RUF since the CTR2 era, Project Dragon resulted from the consignor's close collaboration with Alois Ruf and his team to realize a personal vision that the collector had contemplated for decades. To bring this vision to life, Tony Hatter, renowned for his design of the 993-generation Porsche 911, worked with RUF to shape this unique car.
Finished in the one-off color of Dragon Fire Orange, Project Dragon’s chassis features bespoke carbon fiber bodywork, a RUF integrated roll cage, carbon ceramic brakes, a Bilstein PSS10 suspension, and RUF center-lock wheels designed and created just for this project by OZ Racing. It comes powered by a bespoke air-cooled engine producing 621 hp at 6,500 rpm. Factory documentation records the extraordinary scope of this commission, detailing meticulous work encompassing the design, bodywork, engine, suspension, brakes, wheels, and interior. Together, these records illustrate the care and craftsmanship devoted to realizing the collector’s vision. Delivered in March 2024, Project Dragon displayed just 759 miles at the time of cataloguing and presents in virtually new condition throughout.
David Brynan, Gooding Christie’s Senior Specialist, said: “Project Dragon carries forward the spirit of the Yellowbird and CTR2, the extraordinary cars that established RUF’s reputation for combining understated design with exceptional performance. Commissioned by one of the marque’s foremost collectors and designed in collaboration with Tony Hatter, it brings the unmistakable character of the CTR2 into a bespoke car built with the benefit of decades of further development. As one of the few one-off automobiles ever created by RUF, Project Dragon offers a unique expression of the company’s engineering expertise and willingness to realize an individual customer’s vision. Its first offering for sale presents a rare opportunity to acquire a unique piece of RUF history.”
RUF Project Dragon will be on display for public viewing at Christie’s Rockefeller Center from Thursday, October 8 to Monday, October 12. For more information, contact ppechakjian@christies.com. Retromobile New York Auctions Dates: Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21 Location: Javits Center, New York Public Preview: Thursday, November 19 through Saturday, November 21 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodingChristies X: @goodingandco Instagram: @goodingandcompany YouTube: @GoodingChristies Phone: +1.310.899.1960
About Gooding Christie’s Gooding Christie’s is world renowned for its market-leading automotive auctions, private brokerage, and unparalleled service in the international collector car market with over two decades of operation. Gooding Christie’s consistently sets world record prices and redefines market standards through both its live auctions and Geared Online platform with best-of-category cars across numerous verticals. The commitment to presenting the highest quality of consignments while operating with the utmost integrity and transparency has provided the company an unmatched reputation of trust and respect. Offering a wide range of services including private and estate sales, appraisals, collection management, and financing options, Gooding Christie’s is ready to assist you. Media Inquiries: Pauline Pechakjian ppechakjian@christies.com +1 (310) 383-7437
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