"Yours Only": Lee Kun-hee's Personalized Porsche with Nameplate Expected to Fetch Up to $670,000 at Auction

German Porsche tuning manufacturer Ruf specially made the 'Ruf 928R' in 1989 for Chairman Lee. Gooding & Company

원본보기 아이콘

A rare Porsche model once owned by the late Lee Kun-hee, former chairman of Samsung Group, has been listed for sale in the global auction market. The car is the "Ruf 928R," which German Porsche specialist tuning manufacturer RUF specially produced for Chairman Lee in 1989.

On March 5 (local time), the U.S. auction house Gooding & Company announced that the vehicle will be up for auction at an event held in Amelia Island, Florida. The expected winning bid is estimated to be between a minimum of $400,000 (approximately 530 million won) and a maximum of $500,000 (approximately 670 million won).

The German Porsche specialist tuning manufacturer RUF specially produced the "RUF 928R" in 1989 for Chairman Lee. Gooding & Company

원본보기 아이콘

The "Ruf 928R" is a one-off model, with only a single unit in existence worldwide. Inside the engine bay, there is a custom nameplate engraved with the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee's name. Beyond simply swapping out parts from the original Porsche 928, the car was crafted from the body-in-white stage, undergoing a dedicated production process.

Even compared to vehicles released today, it boasts outstanding performance. The 5.0-liter V8 engine was redesigned to deliver a maximum output of 360 horsepower and peak torque of 48.9 kg·m. The exterior is finished in black, while the interior features wine red leather and an Alcantara steering wheel, maximizing the classic atmosphere of the late 1980s. In addition, modern technology such as 19-inch RUF wheels, a carbon ceramic brake system, and an upgraded exhaust system have been incorporated.

The German Porsche-specialized tuning manufacturer RUF specially produced the 'RUF 928R' in 1989 for Chairman Lee. Gooding & Company

원본보기 아이콘

The mileage is approximately 2,560 kilometers (1,568 miles), maintaining a condition comparable to a new car. It is known that RUF recently repurchased the vehicle and completed a meticulous restoration at its headquarters in Pfaffenhausen in 2021.

This car is considered a direct reflection of Chairman Lee Kun-hee's taste, who was known for collecting ultra-high-end supercars and having a deep passion for automobiles. An auction representative commented, "Chairman Lee's collection focused on models with technical significance. This vehicle, created by the world's top manufacturer exclusively for him, holds tremendous historical value."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.