RM Sotheby’s recent auction of The Junkyard: The Rudy Klein Collection wrapped up in Los Angeles with impressive results, totaling over $31 million in sales.
Collectors from all over the world gathered both in person and online to bid on rare finds that had been tucked away in a California junkyard since the 1960s. Rudi Klein’s hidden treasure trove finally came into the spotlight, featuring everything from sought-after classic cars to rare parts and memorabilia. The clear showstopper of the event was the 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing, which sold for a jaw-dropping $9,355,000, setting a new high mark for this iconic lightweight version. Another favorite was the 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 by Bertone, a car often credited with kicking off the supercar era, which attracted plenty of competitive bids. The 1962 Porsche 356 B 1600 ‘Twin-Grille’ Roadster by D’Ieteren also stood out as a fan favorite that would for sure make the list of most expensive lots sold.
Top 10 Sales
- 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing – $9,355,000
- 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K ‘Caracciola’ Special Coupe by Sindelfingen – $4,130,000
- 1939 Horch 855 Special Roadster by Gläser – $3,305,000
- 1964 1964 Iso Grifo A3/L Spider Prototype by Bertone – $1,875,000
- 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 by Bertone – $1,325,000
- 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster – $1,185,500
- 1962 Porsche 356 B 1600 ‘Twin-Grille’ Roadster by D’Ieteren – $1,160,000
- 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S by Bertone – $967,500
- 1959 Porsche 356 A Carrera 1500 GS/GT Coupe by Reutter – $885,000
- 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400 by Bertone – $610,000
Alongside these headline cars, the auction featured an extensive collection of rare automotive parts and pieces, many of which had long been thought lost and undocumented. They captured the spirit of Klein’s passion for all things automotive, proven by his keen eye for future collector examples. For years, only stories circulated about the treasures hidden in his junkyard, and now they’ve all found new homes with collectors eager to give them a second life. The event represents the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another for these rare barn finds. RM Sotheby’s thanked the Klein family, along with the bidders and guests, for making the auction a memorable weekend filled with stories, surprises, and some truly incredible automotive moments.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
