Mick Hartley

Auction at Sotheby's, LA – The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection:

Since 1967, Rudi Klein, a renowned figure in the world of collecting, had 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’s collection has long been a well-kept secret, with only rumors of its existence swirling amongst certain collectors’ circles.

Now, for the first time, 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 and treasures; true pieces of automotive history, once lost, now found.

A truly mythical collection. We hope you can join us this October in greater Los Angeles.

Some cars in good condition; some in, well, not so good condition. But serious money.

1931 Mercedes-Benz 370 S Mannheim Sport Cabriolet, $100,000 – $150,000 USD

1939 Maybach SW38 'Ponton-Sport' Cabriolet by Wendler, $100,000 – $150,000 USD

1938 Maybach SW38 Sport Cabriolet by Spohn, $150,000 – $200,000 USD

Porsche 356 B Coupe, $3,000 – $6,000 USD

1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S by Bertone, $500,000 – $700,000 USD

1966 Ferrari 330 GTC by Pininfarina, $30,000 – $40,000 USD

1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K 'Caracciola' Special Coupe by Sindelfingen, $4,000,000 – $6,000,000 USD

1936 Maybach SW38 Cabriolet by Spohn, $50,000 – $75,000 USD

1967 Lamborghini Miura P400 by Bertone, $350,000 – $450,000 USD

1963 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Cabriolet, $2,000 – $5,000 USD

1976 Aston Martin V8 Series III, $30,000 – $40,000 USD

1938 Mercedes-Benz 230 Coupe by Baur $30,000 – $50,000 USD

1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 by Pininfarina, $40,000 – $50,000 USD

1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Alloy' Gullwing, $4,500,000 – $6,000,000 USD

1967 Porsche 911 S 'Soft-Window' Targa, $3,000 – $6,000 USD

1937 Horch 853 Cabriolet, $200,000 – $300,000 USD

1964 Maserati Sebring 3500 GTi Series I by Vignale, $30,000 – $40,000 USD

1936 Mercedes-Benz 290 Sedan, $20,000 – $30,000 USD
[Photos: Robin Adams © RM Sotheby's]

That last one, "Believed to have been originally owned by influential and controversial filmmaker, D.W. Griffith".