Nestled somewhere in the bustling metropolis of Southern Los Angeles lies a hidden gem: a junkyard teeming with rare and valuable classic cars.
This extraordinary collection, amassed over decades, belongs to the late Rudi Klein, a German emigrant who arrived in the United States in the late 1950s. Klein’s passion for automobiles led him to establish Auto House Klein in 1967, where he began acquiring crashed vehicles from insurance companies.
However, unlike most junkyards, Klein’s focus was on high-end luxury and sports cars, including Porsches, Mercedes-Benzes, Bentleys, Aston Martins, Ferraris, and Lamborghini. After his passing in 2001, Klein’s junkyard was revealed as a treasure trove of automotive history, with vehicles worth tens of millions of dollars combined.
Among the many valuable cars in the collection are several Porsche 356s, 911s, Ferrari 330 GTCs, a Ferrari 365 GTC4, a BMW 502 “Marburg,” a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman, and even three Lamborghini Miuras. The Miuras, in particular, have garnered significant attention in recent years, with numerous YouTube videos showcasing their iconic design and performance.
The junkyard also houses a Jarama and an “alloy” Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, both of which are highly sought-after by collectors. The Gullwing, with its distinctive gullwing doors, is considered one of the most iconic sports cars of all time.
As the junkyard prepares for an upcoming auction, the world is eagerly anticipating the revealing of these automotive masterpieces. The auction is expected to draw a large crowd of collectors, enthusiasts, and investors from around the globe, all hoping to get their hands on a piece of automotive history.
A trove of automotive treasures, spanning decades and continents, is set to hit the auction block. From iconic Mercedes-Benz gullwings to rare Lamborghini Miuras, the collection boasts vehicles that have captured the hearts of enthusiasts for generations. Many of these automotive masterpieces are in need of restoration, yet their rarity and historical significance are expected to drive their selling prices into the millions.
Among the most valuable is a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Alloy” Gullwing, estimated to fetch a staggering $6 million. Other notable highlights include a 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Coupe and a 1939 Horch 855 Roadster, both valued at $6 million and $4 million respectively.
The collection also features a dozen classics worth six figures, including several Lamborghini Miuras and Porsche 356s. The total estimated value of the entire lot is a staggering $21 million, making it one of the most valuable junkyard finds in history. However, with no reserve set for any of the vehicles, it remains to be seen whether these automotive icons will command their full estimated value.
While some of these vehicles are in pristine condition, others require significant restoration work. The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, for example, is in need of a complete rotisserie restoration.
Despite this, it is expected to sell for a substantial sum due to its rarity and historical significance. The 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Coupe is another vehicle that requires restoration. However, its unique design and powerful engine make it a highly desirable collector’s item.
The collection also includes several more affordable classics, such as the 1962 Porsche 356B 1600 Roadster and the 1966 Iso Grifo Series I. These vehicles are still in good condition and offer excellent value for their price. However, they are not expected to command the same high prices as the more expensive models in the collection.
The collection offers a diverse range of automotive treasures for collectors of all budgets. Whether you are looking for a rare and expensive classic or a more affordable restoration project, there is something to suit your tastes. With no reserve set for any of the vehicles, it is a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of automotive history.
