The name Alois Ruf is synonymous with unique, highly tuned Porsches—the kind that make even non-Porsche lovers stop and stare.

Started in 1939, it was the RUF CTR that blew the Pfaffenhausen-based company’s profile worldwide in 1987.

Nicknamed “Yellow Bird,” the CTR stunned the motoring press when it hit a shocking 211 mph just weeks after the F40 had been the first car to reach the magic 200.

To beat a powerhouse like Ferrari, RUF bored out the standard 3.2-liter flat-six to 3,366 cc, fitted a fuel-injection system developed for the 962 racers, and finished it off with a set of turbochargers and twin intercoolers.

RUF’s own five-speed gearbox completed the package.

The result: An instant legend.

For brothers Steve and David Beddor, the CTR was an excellent start, but they sought something more tailored to their needs: a car capable of rallies across America and hill climbs through the deserts and mountains of the southwest.

They ordered two Porsche 964 Carrera 4s, including cha...