RM Sotheby’s hosted The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection auction this past weekend in Los Angeles. This legendary assemblage, long the subject of rumors and intrigue, offered collectors and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to acquire some of the world’s most sought-after cars. The sale captured global attention, realizing a total of $29,616,400 in sales, with 100% of lots sold, nearly doubling the pre-auction estimate of $17 million. The auction saw participation from bidders across 39 countries and 36 US states, with nearly a third of participants being first-time bidders, making it a truly global gathering of collectors and car enthusiasts.
“We knew we had something truly special when we first announced this sale,” said Cary Ahl, Specialist, RM Sotheby’s. “The Rudi Klein Collection has been a source of intrigue for decades, and when the story finally broke, the global response was immediate and overwhelming. From the very beginning, our team dedicated countless hours uncovering this treasure trove of cars and parts, sorting through everything from the elusive Alloy Gullwing to the one-of-a-kind Caracciola 500 K and three Lamborghini Miuras, each an icon in its own right. The world watched as these historic vehicles left their longtime home in Rudi’s scrapyard, and now our team is working to ensure they arrive safely in the hands of collectors across the globe. Only RM Sotheby’s could make an event of this magnitude happen, bringing hidden pieces of automotive history to light and into the collections and garages of those who truly appreciate them.”
Top 10 Lots
1. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing sold for $9,355,000 USD
2. 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K ‘Caracciola’ Special Coupe by Sindelfingen sold for $4,130,000 USD
3. 1939 Horch 855 Special Roadster by Gläser sold for $3,305,000 USD
4. 1964 Iso Grifo A3/L Spider Prototype by Bertone sold for $1,875,000 USD
5. 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 by Bertone sold for $1,325,000 USD
6. 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster sold for $1,187,500 USD
7. 1962 Porsche 356 B 1600 ‘Twin-Grille’ Roadster by D’Ieteren sold for $1,160,000 USD
8. 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S by Bertone sold for $967,500 USD
9. 1959 Porsche 356 A Carrera 1500 GS/GT Coupe by Reutter sold for $885,000 USD
10. 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400 by Bertone sold for $610,000 USD
Highlights
One of only 29 Alloy Gullwings ever produced, this exceptional 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing is the sole example originally finished in Black over Red leather. It was ordered new by legendary Ferrari importer and Le Mans champion Luigi Chinetti and acquired by Rudi Klein in 1976. Remarkably, this iconic car has never left the Klein “yard” in nearly 50 years, making its recent sale for $9,355,000 all the more significant as it broke the world record for the most valuable Alloy Gullwing ever sold, stepping into the spotlight after decades of obscurity.
The 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K ‘Caracciola’ Special Coupe by Sindelfingen sold for $4,130,000. Built specifically for Mercedes-Benz’s champion racing driver, Rudi Caracciola, this one-off 500 K is one of the most sought-after Classic Era Mercedes-Benz cars. Acquired by Rudi Klein in 1979 and unseen by the public since 1980, it remains one of the most pursued Full Classic automobiles of the last half-century. Formerly owned by Dr. Milton Roth and M.L. “Bill” Post, the car comes with its original build sheet, bearing Caracciola’s name, and represents a long-awaited opportunity for restoration and rediscovery.
The 1939 Horch 855 Special Roadster by Gläser sold for $3,305,000. The sole surviving production Horch 855, this exceptional automobile was once owned by Purcell M. Ingram and the Brucker Movieworld Collection. Featured in the September 1954 issue of Road & Track and seen alongside Rock Hudson in The World Is Ours, the car has been part of the Klein Collection since 1980.
The Miuras
The sale highlighted the rising value of the Lamborghini Miura, with three impressive sales reflecting its iconic status. The 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 by Bertone sold for $1,325,000, while the 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S by Bertone brought in $967,500. Additionally, the 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400 by Bertone sold for $610,000. These results underscore the Miura’s continued appreciation in value, solidifying its place as one of the most desirable classic supercars in automotive history.
*The online sale will remain open until the evening of Monday, 28 Oct., allowing bidders an extended opportunity to participate in acquiring these remarkable pieces. The final sales figures will be updated upon conclusion.
About RM Sotheby’s
RM Sotheby’s is the world’s largest collector car auction house by total sales. With over 40 years of proven results in the collector car industry, RM’s vertically integrated range of services, from auctions (live and online) and private sales to estate planning and financial services, coupled with an expert team of Car Specialists and an international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM Sotheby’s is currently responsible for six of the top ten most valuable motor cars ever sold at auction.
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