Junkyard Sale

In late October of this year, RM Sotheby’s hosted a unique auction, The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection, under sunny Los Angeles skies. The team from Classic Showcase was on hand, taking part in the excitement – and we were truly impressed by the scale and scope of the event! This event brought automotive enthusiasts and collectors together to marvel at a hidden gem—a “junkyard” that was anything but ordinary. For decades, the late Rudi Klein had quietly built a collection of rare cars, parts, and memorabilia that reflected his unique passion for classic cars and his dedication to automotive history.

Klein’s story is one of a true collector with a discerning eye. Starting in 1967, he amassed an eclectic mix of rare and often damaged vehicles that carried histories as fascinating as their appearances. His collection ranged from German icons like a 1937 Horch 853 Cabriolet, once owned by GM executive Alexander Cunningham, to several valuable Lamborghini Miuras and one-off Italian prototypes. His prized pieces also included sought-after Mercedes-Benz models and a Porsche 356 A Carrera 1500 GS/GT, a car that stands out for being one of only a handful with a unique four-cam engine.