Rudi Klein Collection
Rudi Klein Collection
Rudi Klein Collection
Rudi Klein Collection
Rudi Klein Collection
Rudi Klein Collection
Rudi Klein Collection
Rudi Klein Collection
For decades, the mythical Rudi Klein Collection has remained shrouded in secrecy, its remarkable cars exposed to the elements in a secluded California scrapyard. This legendary trove, believed to house some of the rarest automobiles ever built, including a long-lost Alloy Gullwing and other fabled models, was once only the subject of whispers among enthusiasts. RM Sotheby’s is thrilled to unveil ‘The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection,’ a trove of automotive legends that will finally be revealed at auction in October 2024. The collection, preserved in its untouched state since Rudi Klein's passing in 2001, includes significant models recently returned from Europe, and will be made available for the first time in over fifty years. The upcoming auctions will offer a rare glimpse into this storied collection, making it a historic event for car collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Rudi Klein, a German immigrant who arrived in North America in the late 1950s, began his career as a butcher before transitioning to dealing in European classic cars through his scrapyard on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Over the decades, Klein amassed an unparalleled collection, kept private and rarely seen by outsiders. The auction will feature standout vehicles such as the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K ‘Caracciola’ Special Coupe, the rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing, and the unique 1967 Iso Grifo A3/L Spider Prototype by Bertone, among others. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire some of the most sought-after and historically significant cars, each with a unique story and remarkable provenance.
