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A most extraordinary historic car and parts auction
Since 1967, Rudi Klein, a renowned figure in the world of collecting, quietly amassed a remarkable collection of automotive treasures in a modest junkyard in Southern Los Angeles.
Known for his discerning eye and passion for rare and unique automobiles, Klein kept his collection secret, with only rumours of its existence murmured in certain collectors’ circles.
Now, on October 25/26, 2024, RM Sotheby’s will unveil ‘The Junkyard’: bringing to market Klein’s extraordinary collection of rare and revered automobiles, parts and memorabilia in a series of auctions.
A rare glimpse into the world of a true collector, this event offers bidders the opportunity to acquire significant models long thought lost or destroyed, along with a trove of automotive parts.
Historic Vehicles trawled through the several hundred lots being auctioned and picked out a few rare choices.
The 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K ‘Caracciola’ Special Coupe by Sindelfingen carried a dizzy pre-auction estimate of US$4,000,000-$6,000,000.
This one-off car built for Mercedes-Benz’s legendary champion racing driver, Rudi Caracciola, came with a build sheet bearing Caracciola’s name.
It was acquired by Rudi Klein in 1979 and was then hidden away until now.
At least as desirable as the big Benzes of its day was this 1938 Maybach SW38 Sport Cabriolet by Spohn. It carried a much more affordable pre-auction estimate of US$150,000 – $200,000.
Originally delivered to German circus impresario Carl Krone, it was acquired by Rudi Klein in 1989 and has not been shown publicly since.
At first sight this 1962 Porsche 356 B 1600 ‘Twin-Grille’ roadster by D’Ieteren seemed overpriced with an estimate of US$350,000-$550,000, but it’s believed to be entirely unrestored, with original finishes throughout, matching engine and transmission numbers, and showing only 600 miles on its odometer.
A 1957 BMW 503 Series I Cabriolet with an estimate of US$75,000-$100,000 caught our attention, being one of just 78 aluminium-bodied Series I examples clothed in coachwork penned by Albrecht Graf von Goertz
It was acquired by Rudi Klein in June 1984.
Produced from 1956 to 1962, the BMW 503 made its debut alongside the BMW 507 at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show. Both were powered by a 140bhp 3.2-litre V-8 engine.
This 1937 Horch 853 Cabriolet carried an estimate of US$200,000-$300,000 – not bad for a German eight-cylinder cabriolet of the Classic Era that was considered at least the equal of the Mercedes-Benz 500 K, if somewhat more luxurious.
This car was acquired by Rudi Klein in 1979, from GM Vice-President Alexander Cunningham and had been restored. It was cosmetically well-preserved during Kleins’ ownership.
Produced under the aegis of Auto Union alongside its stablemates Audi, DKW, and Wanderer, the Horch 853 was propelled by an overhead-cam, 10-main-bearing, in-line, eight-cylinder engine and four-speed transmission. Its chassis featured servo-assisted hydraulic brakes.
https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/rk24/lots/#?SortBy=Default&page=5&pageSize=40
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