Rudi Klein is one of the most enigmatic figures among car collectors, with his collection shrouded in mystery until very recently. Born in Germany, he made a living in the United States during the 1950s as a butcher shop owner. After a decade, he decided to pursue his real passion – classic cars. His previous work hadn’t really provided the means for him to acquire high-end automobiles, so he instead embarked on an unconventional route by opening a scrapyard to take cars apart. He meticulously built his collection, nurturing his fascination for damaged vehicles.
Klein was known to have acquired magnificent vintage makes. However, he was a private man and never revealed the contents of his scrapyard, heightening the intrigue around his motorcade. So sequestered was his collection that his family refused to disclose any information to the public even after his death in 2021. Much to the excitement of automobile enthusiasts, the impenetrable veil was finally lifted this year at RM Sotheby’s.
On 26th October, RM Sotheby’s hosted “The Junkyard,” a tribute to Klein’s utterly unique vision and legendary collection. Out of 567 lots, 208 pieces were displayed at the event, while the remaining were sold online. The collection’s charm lay in its age and imperfections, from peeling paint to rust and missing parts.
The collection’s calibre certainly exceeded everyone’s expectations. His admirable fleet included classics like the Aston Martin Vantage ‘Molded Fliptail’ (one of 11 produced), a pair of Maseratis, 37 Porsche 356s, and a prototype Iso Grifo Spider. There was also an assemblage of rare Mercedes-Benzes, including the revered Pullman and 300SL Gullwing, which seemingly disappeared forever after Klein purchased it. A handsome miscellany of bona fide car parts, from original engines to seats and transmission components, was also on offer – indeed a gold mine for restoration projects.
The treasured collection, which began as unremarkable scrap, commanded a total of $29.6 million. Clad in rust, scars, and dust, Klein’s motorcade is a momentous one in automobile history, bringing back gems that were long considered lost for good.
The aforementioned Gullwing was the showstopper, selling for a staggering $9,355,000. The car, except for a few dents on the rear bumper, is completely intact. The original black exterior was repainted to silver at some point; this is a pity because it was the only Gullwing to be originally delivered in black.
Coming in second was the 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K coupe that was commissioned for European racing champion Rudolf Caracciola, selling for $4.1 million. This rare vehicle was never seen in public after Klein acquired it in 1980 and is now something of a legend for car collectors.
The third highest sale was of a 1939 Horch 855 roadster, which fetched around $3.3 million. A chief competitor of Mercedes-Benz during the 1930s, the Horch 855 became the paragon of design, engineering, and performance. Only ten units were ever produced, making it one of the most exclusive and unattainable vehicles of its time. It achieved celebrity status by featuring in a magazine article after it was purchased by Purcell Ingram, proprietor of the Kings of the Road Museum. The Horch also took to the silver screen, making a special appearance in the 1959 film ‘The World Is Ours,’ with Rock Hudson behind the wheel.
The next most expensive sale, garnering over $1.3 million, was a 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400. Known as the predecessor to the modern supercar, the vehicle is a veritable piece of history. It was in Klein’s yard for about 46 years and has held onto all its original features, such as its matching-numbers V12 engine and its coachwork, making it a truly precious find.
Rudi Klein’s illustrious collection inspires wonderment at the sheer number of hidden gems possibly lying in wait in unexpected places. Indeed, auctions at RM Sotheby’s always hold the promise of unveiling long-lost treasures and brand new surprises.
