This RUF-inspired Beetle packs a tuned turbo-four, Brembo brakes, and Recaro seats
3 hours ago
- The Beetle’s 1.8-liter turbo engine has been heavily modified.
- It features Eibach sway bars, Brembo brakes, and Vogtland coilovers.
- Overhauled in the mid-2000s, it’s covered just 57,000 miles since.
The Beetle might not spring to mind when you think of a driver-focused, enthusiast-built hot hatch, yet this particular example stands apart from any other in the U.S. What began as a humble compact has been reimagined in the spirit of a RUF-tuned Porsche.
Overhauled in the mid-2000s following the philosophy of RUF’s modified 911s, this one-off Volkswagen has hit the market and is already drawing attention from curious onlookers.
Read: This Puny Bug Pulled Nearly $100K After Triggering A Bidding Frenzy
It’s worth noting that while the listing refers to it as a “RUF-Modified” car, that’s not entirely true. You see, RUF did not build this Beetle at its German factory, but instead it was modified with the help of RUF Auto Center, which once served as a service location and representative of the brand in America.
That company has since been rebranded as RAC Performance and, in 2010, stopped representing RUF.
Bring a Trailer
Now, while this isn’t an official RUF product, it ticks just about all the boxes as a product from the famed German tuner and manufacturer. The body has been modified with new bumpers and is finished in Reflex Silver Metallic. It also features 19-inch RUF wheels, an oval-shaped tailpipe, and has undergone extensive mechanical upgrades.
Among the hardware changes are braided stainless steel brake lines, six-piston Brembo front calipers, Eibach sway bars, Vogtland coilovers, and reinforced transaxle mounts, all chosen to sharpen response and improve feel.
Engine Upgrades
Plenty of work has also been done on the car’s turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder. The Bring a Trailer listing notes it includes an aftermarket intake, diverter valve, Samco hoses, new engine mounts, and an APR ECU with 93 and 100 octane tunes.
Sadly, the listing makes no mention of how much power the little engine is pushing out, but we’re sure it’s enough to spin up the front wheels.
Although this Beetle dates back to 2002, it has only covered about 57,000 miles (91,700 km). The interior has also been updated with Recaro Sportster CS seats, ensuring it’s comfortable enough for street driving while also doubling as an excellent canyon carver.
Those interested in giving this eccentric, RUF-inspired Beetle a new home will need to act fast, as bidding closes on Sunday. Check out the listing over here.
