Why does the Gambella in the video have RUF plates?
Photography Courtesy 1000SEL.com
Go big or go home. That was Gemballa’s M.O.
Uwe founded the German firm in 1979, with the original work being custom interiors–including trick stuff for the day, like TVs and audio system controls on the steering wheel.
Gemballa unveiled the Avalanche and Cyrrus in 1985–totally reworked versions of Porsche’s iconic 911 models. The Avalanche was the hardtop; the Cyrrus was the convertible. Defining features included a giant rear spoiler, Testarossa-like side slats and slope nose with flip-up headlamps. Some cars featured rear-view cameras instead of traditional mirrors.
As the story goes, Vanilla Ice bought a 1988 Cyrrus in 1991. Soon after he sent it back to Gemballa where it was updated to 964 specs–and repainted from dark blue to white while receiving a very Miami Vice-appropriate all-white interior.
Fast forward to today, and a company carrying the Gemballa name is still turning out custom Porsches, offering their own takes on the 911, Boxster, Cayenne and Panamera. They can also employ their own form of magic to models from McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz.
How’d this all play out for the company founder? Not so well: After disappearing while in South Africa in February 2010, his body was found in a shallow grave that October. The reports of his disappearance and death often mention the words bankruptcy, money laundering and organized crime.
The original Gemballa closed soon after its founder’s death, with Andreas Schwarz purchasing the name and “some assets” for the new company that bear the Gemballa name.
Why does the Gambella in the video have RUF plates?
pinchvalve said:Why does the Gambella in the video have RUF plates?
That video came from the Ruf UK site. I believe they are (or were) offering the car for sale.
Wow, how cocaine-fully tacky those are.
The Baroque age, now with blow!
And now I want to see an NA Miata with quad headlights. But not mine.
In reply to Pete Gossett :
Yes!!
I know a guy with an early 00's Gemballa Turbo. Unfortunately, he suffers from severe AADD and last time I talked to him, it hadn't moved off the lift in his garage for many years from when he started some suspension upgrades. It's a cool car, from what I remember of it.
Not going to lie, if I had stupid money, I would take them up on the Carrera GT makeover.
By the way, is this the first time Vanilla Ice has appeared at the top of our home page?
I need to dig through my stuff and find the brochure I picked up at the 83 Frankfurt Auto show and scan them.
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