Introducing: The Rudi Klein Collection

[Yadkin]

OCTOBER 26TH
LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA

OFFERED ENTIRELY WITHOUT RESERVE



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.

https://rmsothebys.com/the-junkyard

[TheHammer]

Junk, but could be a few treasures for guys doing restoration projects.

[Stevedore]

Reminds me of a crappy old gas station I used to stop at in Mt Hope NJ. Owned by an old fart who had a "collection" of rusty old cars in the woods behind the station; mostly from the 30's & 40's. He used to yak about how he was holding on to them because they'd be worth a lot of $$ someday.

At some point, the gas station closed & I heard that the old fart had died. Soon after, I saw the woods being cleared out, with a bulldozer pushing the rotting old cars out of the woods, many with small trees growing out of them, & loading them on to various junk hauling trucks.

I have no doubt that there were a few pieces in there that some restorer somewhere would have loved to get his hands on at some prior point. The old guy didn't know when it was time to sell, I guess.

[Onebadcad]

Unless you can get a bargain price on those of those, I see no value.
No value if you get a rust bucket on a rusted frame, as some of those parts, probably most of them, will have to be one-off fabrications.

RULE #1 FOR ASTUTE AUTO COLLECTORS, do not buy another man's junk!!

The mercedes on the left in the first photo on the homepage appears doable, but willing to bet the restoration will much longer than planned, and will be 25+% over budget.
Great car, BUT at what price?!?!?

[RedLS1GTO]

The mercedes on the left in the first photo on the homepage appears doable, but willing to bet the restoration will much longer than planned, and will be 25+% over budget.
Great car, BUT at what price?!?!?

The Mercedes on the left is for people who don't have a budget.

https://rmsothebys-cdn.azureedge.net/e/6/9/c/f/8/e69cf8d8c610379decb22da9f0ec6b9824e7b8e5.webp

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/rk24/lots/r0244-1956-mercedesbenz-300-sl-alloy-gullwing/

[Onebadcad]

The Mercedes on the left is for people who don't have a budget.

https://rmsothebys-cdn.azureedge.net/e/6/9/c/f/8/e69cf8d8c610379decb22da9f0ec6b9824e7b8e5.webp

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/rk24/lots/r0244-1956-mercedesbenz-300-sl-alloy-gullwing/

DAMN, I know a little about the 300sl with the wingy doors, but had no idea one in that condition will get $6+M at auction.
How much do you think after the purchase for the full restoration--and does that matter if the owner wants to keep the car and money is not a concern.

I remember a show about Ralph Lauren buying a beat-to-hell Alfa, was shit, many parts had to be fabricated.
Ralph was not concerned about monies in, I believe he does not sell his cars.
He told the builder to let him know when the bill exceeds $2M--remember, this was probably 20 years ago.

[Steve_R]

The line between a collector and a hoarder is a fine line. This guy seems to have crossed it.

They estimate this is worth $30k-$40k:

https://rmsothebys-cdn.azureedge.net/3/a/f/3/3/c/3af33c3798966cda680e31e4afc60c1e792a7541.webp

[CurtP]

Saw it on Tavarish’s channels. Some interesting stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBeL_vsZNBI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pamqaxIw7Pc