For decades, a legendary collection of rare and historic cars has been hidden away in the hot California sun, shrouded in mystery and speculation. This mythical collection, once only whispered about among automotive enthusiasts, included some of the rarest and most coveted vehicles, such as the elusive Alloy Gullwing and other fabled automobiles. Now, RM Sotheby’s is thrilled to announce the upcoming auction of ‘The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection’—the world’s most secretive collection, which has been concealed for generations and will finally be available at auction in October 2024.
Rudi Klein
Rudi Klein, a German immigrant who arrived in North America in the late 1950s, initially worked as a butcher. However, his passion for European classic cars led him to establish ‘Porche Foreign Auto’ in 1967. Over the following decades, Klein quietly amassed an extraordinary collection of significant collector cars while operating his scrapyard on the outskirts of Los Angeles. The Klein Collection, never open to the public, became a legendary repository of rare automobiles, with only a few having been granted entry. Following Klein’s passing in 2001, his family preserved the collection in its original, untouched state. This October marks the first opportunity for the public to view and acquire these remarkable automobiles, including several recently returned from Europe.
“Bringing something out of hiding that’s only been rumored to exist, like the legendary Klein Collection, is truly special,” said Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions. “Discovering hidden gems like the Mercedes 500K or Alloy Gullwing is a story that resonates far beyond automotive enthusiasts. What Klein amassed is one-of-a-kind, and we’re excited to see these cars live on, whether through restoration or preservation.”
The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection
The auction of ‘The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection’ will be conducted through a series of live and online events in October 2024. Early highlights of this extraordinary collection include:
- 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K ‘Caracciola’ Special Coupe by Sindelfingen: The only example of its kind, originally delivered to Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix driver Rudolf Caracciola. This iconic pre-war Mercedes-Benz is famed for its exclusivity and historical significance.
- 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing: One of only 29 ‘Alloy’ Gullwings ever produced, and the only one finished in Black. Previously owned by racing legend Luigi Chinetti, this is one of the most sought-after 300 SLs, having been virtually unseen for decades.
- 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster: This early Roadster, finished in Fire Engine Red over Cream, is equipped with factory Rudge-wheels and awaits a deserving restoration.
- 1939 Horch 855 Special Roadster: The sole surviving 855, known for its striking design and rich history, including display in California roadside museums and use in Hollywood publicity photos in the 1950s.
- 1967 Iso Grifo A3/L Spider Prototype by Bertone: The only factory-built Grifo convertible, used for factory publicity photographs and acquired by Rudi Klein from renowned enthusiast Greg Garrison.
- 1961 Porsche 356 B 1600 ‘Twin-Grille’ Roadster by d’Ieteren: A rare and desirable model known for its distinctive design, in remarkable original condition with fewer than 600 actual miles.
Prepare to witness the unveiling of these legendary vehicles and explore a collection that has captivated the imaginations of automotive enthusiasts for years.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
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