This is the 1997 Porsche 911 Type 993 Gemballa Extremo Bi-Turbo Ruf Speedster (WP0ZZZ99ZVS381243)! The story begins in the year 1996 when a Germany-based tire manufacturer known as the Fulda Tyre Company commissioned a one-off creation through Gemballa GmbH, an automobile manufacturing and tuning company, in an effort to showcase their all new ‘Extremo’ tires. At the time, the Type 993 Porsche 911 was a big hit, and more specifically, the Turbo S was seemingly the perfect base for a project this mind blowing. The unique one-off carbon fiber bodywork is the work of a talented designer by the name of Michael Söhngen, and upon the delivery of the first Extremo to Fulda, which was painted black in color, it managed to catch the attention of Sheik Abdul Mohsin of Saudi Arabia. Sheik Abdul Mohsin, a Saudi Arabian Royal, became rather attracted to the Extremo model, and soon began to inquire about purchasing the model. Upon realizing Fulda would not be selling the car, he had Gemballa commission a second car, this time finished in ‘Shock Yellow’ (Schock Gelb) and that’s this car shown here (381243). This second example is said to be capable of around 600bhp as opposed to the first car’s 500bhp, and is packed with desirable elements such as a black full leather interior, alloy wheels, xenon headlights, a multifunction steering wheel, electric windows, and of course, a manual transmission. The used engine is a modified twin-turbocharged version of the flat-6 that’s found in the Ruf BTR III, and the gearbox and clutch were also sourced by Ruf Automobile GmbH. This is a true Gemballa 911 that was developed at the Gemballa factory in Germany with a Gemballa certificate of authenticity, and one that has been featured in numerous posters, magazines, and other forms of press. At a staggering build cost of a reported $2,000,000, it’s safe to say this was one of the most expensive cars on the road in 1997.
How many made? 2 (possibly a 3rd)
Engine: a Ruf-sourced and modified twin-turbocharged version of the flat-6 that’s found in the Ruf BTR III
Debut: Fulda's promotional event in Dubai, 1997
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: @fierlinga_dffotografie
Research: @rarecarsonly