This Junkyard Collection Of Classic Exotica Is Dying To Be Saved

Think that low-mileage Ford Mustang in your garage is worth a pretty penny? It may be, but compared to Rudi Klein’s ridiculous collection of classics, it’s rather small fry. Presented by RM Sotheby’s, the assortment includes some of the world’s most desirable motorcars, although many of them are far from pristine.

That’s not to say they’re selling at a discount. Despite requiring plenty of work and restoration, some of them are estimated to bring in six- or even seven figures. Let’s take a closer look at the stars of the collection. These and so many more collector vehicles will be offered on October 26 in Los Angeles.

Some Of The Highlights

There are far too many lots in this auction collection to cover in detail here, so we’ve highlighted some of the most noteworthy cars that will be offered at the end of next month.

1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing

Looking decidedly worn for wear, this ’56 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing is just one of 29 alloy-bodied examples produced. This particular model is the only version finished in black paint with red leather. It was originally ordered new by Le Mans champion Luigi Chinetti and was acquired by Rudi Klein in 1976. The car has remained in Klein’s yard for nearly five decades and retains its original components. It is estimated to sell for as much as $6 million when it hits the auction block.

1939 Horch 855 Special Roadster by Gläser

One of the more pristine vehicles in the collection, the Horch 855, has lived a storied life, having been a part of the September 1954 issue of Road & Track, and also appearing alongside Rock Hudson in The World is Ours. It is one of only two surviving examples and the sole production version, as the other was a prototype based on a former 853 model. This exquisite motorcar is expected to fetch $4 million next month. Horch is one of the predecessors of the modern-day Audi brand and was revived as a Maybach-fighting sub-brand in China not too long ago.

1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K ‘Caracciola’ Special Coupe by Sindelfingen

Perhaps one of the most desirable pre-war cars ever, this 500 K Special Coupe was built exclusively for Rudi Caracciola, Mercedes-Benz’s star racing driver at the time. Hidden from the public for 44 years, this exceptional Benz is now ready to be shown off to the world. The vehicle needs plenty of work but is still worth as much as $6 million according to auction estimates.

1964 Iso Grifo A3/L Spider Prototype by Bertone

Like many of the cars in Klein’s collection, the ’64 Iso Grifo A3/L Spider was acquired from a famed collector and promptly stashed away, where it has become decidedly tatty and tired. What makes the Spider so interesting is that it’s a one-off prototype originally crafted to stun crowds at European auto shows. Unseen for four decades, the Iso has finally resurfaced and is begging for a restoration. Expect this exceptional motorcar to sell for as much as $1 million.

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

Klein acquired some of the rarest iterations of already rare vehicles, and that is evident in the 300 SL Roadster seen here. It is one of just 30 examples that received Rudge wheels from the factory. What’s more, the body components, rear axle, and engine are all numbers-matching. When new, it was finished in Fire Engine Red, but will require a major restoration to bring it back to concours condition. Interested? Expect to pay up to $1 million when it makes its auction debut.

1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 by Bertone and 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S by Bertone

And now for something more exotic, we have two Lamborghini Miuras, a ’68 P400, and a ’69 P400 S. The Miura, widely considered to be the world’s first supercar, is a hugely sought-after machine by monied collectors. These two examples – despite the extensive work they require – will be snapped up by collectors, with the latter fitted with its matching numbers V12 and Giallo Miura paintwork. The P 400 S has been painted in Bleu, and both are yearning for an expensive (but much-deserved) restoration.