Occasionally, the automotive world surprises us with truly astonishing news, and RM Sotheby’s has just delivered a major shock. They’ve announced an upcoming sale in October 2024 titled ‘The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection.’
For those unfamiliar with Rudi Klein, a brief background is in order. Klein was a German immigrant who arrived in North America in the late 1950s. Initially working as a butcher, he founded a scrapyard business in Los Angeles in 1967, which he named Porche (sic) Foreign Auto. This scrapyard specialized in European classics and reportedly amassed an impressive collection, although it was tightly secured behind barbed wire and never open to the public.
Even after Klein’s passing in 2001, his two sons maintained this secrecy. But now, the collection is being revealed to the public.
RM Sotheby’s has termed this find as “the largest secret automotive hoard in the world,” describing its contents as both “legendary” and “mythical.” Among the highlights is the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K ‘Caracciola’ Special Coupe, a highly renowned pre-war vehicle that was long thought to be lost. Another standout is the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing, one of only 29 ever made, which was originally delivered in black and previously owned by famed Ferrari importer Luigi Chinetti.
The collection also features the sole surviving 1939 Horch 855 Special Roadster and the only factory-built Iso Grifo convertible. While RM Sotheby’s has yet to release the complete list of lots, it is expected to include a 1961 Porsche 356 B 1600 ‘Twin-Grille’ Roadster by d’Ieteren with under 600 miles, and early images suggest that more than one Lamborghini Miura may be available. There will also be numerous Porsches.
The full catalogue is anticipated to be available for viewing in September. Start preparing your bids now—this is an event you won’t want to miss.