This Junkyard Contains Numerous Valuable Classics Begging to be Rescued

A Hidden Collection Unveiled

After decades of obscurity, a remarkable collection of classic cars in Los Angeles is finally set to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s this October. These vehicles, abandoned and forgotten for years, once belonged to Rudi Klein, a German immigrant who turned a humble scrapyard into a haven for automotive treasures. While Klein’s collection wasn’t entirely a secret, few ever had the chance to see what lay hidden within his scrapyard. Even after his passing in 2001, his family preserved the collection in its untouched state, keeping it away from prying eyes.

The Man Behind the Hoard

Rudi Klein, who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1950s, initially worked as a butcher before transitioning into the world of European car dealing. In 1967, he established Porsche Foreign Auto, and his business success allowed him to amass a vast collection of vehicles, ranging from rare pre-war classics to forgotten sports cars. Klein’s collection includes a mix of iconic vehicles, many stored in their original condition. As a result, this October’s auction will offer these cars "as-is," providing restoration enthusiasts with a unique opportunity.

The Collection’s Crown Jewels

The Rudi Klein Collection includes several highly coveted cars, among them a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing. This rare model, one of just 29 ever made, was previously owned by renowned Ferrari racing driver Luigi Chinetti. Stripped of its original black paint, this Alloy Gullwing stands as one of the collection’s star attractions. 

Special History

Equally impressive is the one-of-a-kind 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K ‘Caracciola’ Special Coupe, named after legendary racing driver Rudolf Caracciola. Other notable vehicles include a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, a 1939 Horch 855 Special Roadster, and a 1967 Iso Grifo A3/L Spider Prototype—the only convertible of its kind.

More than Meets the Eye

While the headlines focus on the big-ticket items, the collection is far more extensive. It includes rows of Porsche 356s, multiple Lamborghini Miuras, and an array of parts that reveal just how deep Klein’s passion for collecting ran. Teasers from RM Sotheby’s have hinted at the extraordinary scale of this auction, although the full catalog of vehicles won’t be released until closer to the event. 

Enduring Legacy

Cary Ahl, a car specialist at RM Sotheby’s, noted that this auction is an extraordinary opportunity for collectors: “What Klein amassed here is one-of-a-kind, and we know that many of these cars will live on for generations, powering new projects or preserved in their original state.”

A Historic Opportunity

For automotive enthusiasts and collectors, the Rudi Klein Collection represents a rare moment in time. Discovering hidden treasures like a Mercedes 500 K or an Alloy Gullwing is the stuff of legend, resonating far beyond the world of car aficionados. 

The Auction

The auction, which will take place both online and in-person, could see these cars go to new homes where they’ll either be restored to their former glory or maintained in their current, weathered state. In either case, the sale of this collection promises to be a significant event in the world of classic car auctions, with some items expected to fetch millions.

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