The announcement alone triggered a lot of euphoria. Now RM/Sotheby's will be putting not quite 67 cars, three motorcycles and valuable spare parts under the hammer in a live auction in the Los Angeles area on October 26, 2024.
The vehicles alone are expected to fetch over USD 25 million, which amounts to USD 365,000 per lot. In view of the fact that many of the cars are only fragments and may not even be restorable, this seems a high valuation at first glance. But if you take a closer look at the individual vehicles, you will recognize many special rarities among the many more or less complete Porsche 356/911s, the likes of which are hard to find elsewhere. However, it is not without reason that RM/Sotheby's is auctioning some of the vehicles on offer as parts carriers/replacement parts. Papers are not always available, nor are registration documents.
24 Porsche and 14 Mercedes-Benz
The fact that Rudi Klein, a native German, was particularly fond of German car brands is also quickly apparent from the selection that RM/Sotheby's will be offering on October 26, 2024 (a total of 300 to 400 vehicles are said to be in the scrapyard).
24 cars come from Porsche, 14 from Mercedes-Benz. Audi (2), BMW (4), Horch (3), Maybach (3), NSU (1) and Volkswagen (1) are also known to be originally German products.
Two Aston Martin represent Great Britain, 1 Facel Vega France. The rest of the cars are Italian classics, four Lamborghini Miura indicate that Rudi Klein must have particularly liked this sports car.
The Iso Grifo A3/L Spider
In 1964, Bertone presented a Spider version of the Iso Grifo A3/L Coupé, which had been unveiled in Turin a year earlier. The front design had already changed, but series production was still a long way off at the time.
The open-top prototype was shown at several motor shows, but only the coupé went into series production; the convertible remained a one-off.
For decades, this rarity was hardly ever seen again; Klein actually bought the Spider in 1980 from Greg Garrison, who had been driving it since 1973.
At that time, the Spider had already been through a lot, the front had been modified after a crash. Rudi Klein drove the one-off for a while and then put it away, like many of his other collector's items.
Now USD 700,000 to 1 million is expected for the car, which needs a complete restoration.
Caracciola's 500K almost like it was back then
Rudi Caracciola also drove fast cars in his private life, one of which was the Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Coupé from 1935 with chassis number 113718. The car came to the USA after the war, was restored in the 1960s and was shown at several concours at the time, including Pebble Beach, where it came second in its class.
Rudi Klein was able to take over the car in 1979, but kept it hidden for most of the decades.
RM/Sotheyb's will not officially give an estimated price for the 500 K, but it is certainly one of the most important pre-war Mercedes-Benzes. It would therefore come as no surprise if the bids reached eight figures.
Also without an estimated price, but like all lots "without reserve", the Horch 855 Special Roadster by Gläser from 1939 is listed in the catalog. Described as the "ultimate" Horch and the only surviving 855, this car is one of the exceptions in the collection.
It was not locked away at Rudi Klein's, but spent many years at the Audi Forum in Germany.
Relatively freshly restored, it is probably the car in the best condition. Here, too, a high purchase price can be expected.
An aluminum gullwing in relatively good condition
The most expensive car in the auction is a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing from 1956 with an aluminum body.
Originally ordered by Luigi Chinetti, Klein was able to buy the coupé directly from Chinetti in 1976. Since then, the car has never been driven or shown. It has also never been restored.
USD 4.5 to 6 million is also quite a lot for this 300 SL.
The very special Ro80 from Pininfarina
A completely different caliber and somehow a big exception in the Klein collection is the NSU Ro80 by Pininfarina as a four-door sedan with one body.
The car was shown in Turin in 1971 and in Gemf and Brussels in 1972 and has a very special sliding roof design.
The car has not been seen since 1995, when Klein was able to buy the car in the USA.
The prototype is now expected to cost a modest USD 60,000 to 80,000. But there is a good chance that the bids will go higher.
Five Ferrari
A total of five Ferraris from the second half of the 1960s and the early 1970s will go under the hammer in the Los Angeles area. Some of them are only fragments and some are even missing their chassis numbers.
Whether these cars in particular will ever be restored to their former glory is questionable to say the least.
However, with estimated values of between USD 25,000 and 75,000, the entry barriers are also somewhat lower.
Three and a half Miuras
Rudi Klein had obviously taken a liking to the Miura. Two P400s from 1967 and 1968, a P400 S from 1969 and a P400 S from 1968, of which only the front end remains, but which is being sold together with the 1968 VW Type 2 Transporter on which it rests, are going under the hammer.
Estimates range up to USD 700,000 for the more complete examples.
Whether the restoration will become a business is somewhat unclear.
And others
Even among the many Porsche 356s and 911s, there are still a few that might be worth a second look.
There are at least three Carrera models from the 356 series and also one of the rare 356 B 1600 roadsters from D'Ieteren, which is also in very good condition.
There are also some "curiosities" up for auction, such as an Audi Treser Lago.
BMW rarity hunters should perhaps take a look at the 502 from Autenrieth from 1956 or the early 503 Coupé from 1957.
Maserati fans will find a Sebring, a Mistral and a Bora on offer, all valued at under USD 40,000.
It will be exciting to see whether the prices on October 26, 2024 will be just as exuberant as when Artcurial put the Baillon collection under the hammer in 2015.
As always, you can find more information and lots of pictures on the RM/Sotheby's website.
Offered Vehicles
The following table lists all offered vehicles with estimated prices. The price conversion was made at the exchange rate valid at the time of publication. All information is provided without guarantee.
| Lot | Car | Year | NoR | USD Est from | USD Est to | CHF Est from | CHF Est to | EUR Est from | EUR Est to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 239 | Porsche 911 Targa (Jg. Ca.) | 1976 | Yes | 3000 | 6000 | 2550 | 5100 | 2700 | 5400 |
| 240 | Porsche 356 B Coupé (Jg. Ca.) | 1961 | Yes | 3000 | 6000 | 2550 | 5100 | 2700 | 5400 |
| 241 | Porsche 356 B Coupé (Jg. Ca.) | 1960 | Yes | 3000 | 6000 | 2550 | 5100 | 2700 | 5400 |
| 242 | Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Coupé (Jg. Ca.) | 1966 | Yes | 3000 | 5000 | 2550 | 4250 | 2700 | 4500 |
| 243 | Ferrari 330 GTC by Pininfarina | 1967 | Yes | 50'000 | 75'000 | 42'500 | 63'750 | 45'000 | 67'500 |
| 244 | Ferrari 330 GTC by Pininfarina | 1966 | Yes | 30'000 | 40'000 | 25'500 | 34'000 | 27'000 | 36'000 |
| 245 | Porsche 911 S 'Soft-Window' Targa | 1967 | Yes | 3000 | 6000 | 2550 | 5100 | 2700 | 5400 |
| 246 | Porsche 911 S Targa | 1970 | Yes | 3000 | 6000 | 2550 | 5100 | 2700 | 5400 |
| 247 | Porsche 911 S Targa | 1972 | Yes | 3000 | 6000 | 2550 | 5100 | 2700 | 5400 |
| 248 | Porsche 356 B 1600 Coupé by Karmann | 1963 | Yes | 3000 | 6000 | 2550 | 5100 | 2700 | 5400 |
| 249 | Porsche 356 A 1600 Coupé by Reutter | 1959 | Yes | 3000 | 6000 | 2550 | 5100 | 2700 | 5400 |
| 250 | Porsche 356 A 1600 S Coupé by Reutter | 1959 | Yes | 3000 | 6000 | 2550 | 5100 | 2700 | 5400 |
| 251 | Porsche 356 B 1600 Coupé by Karmann | 1963 | Yes | 3000 | 6000 | 2550 | 5100 | 2700 | 5400 |
| 252 | Porsche 356 C 1600 Coupé by Karmann | 1965 | Yes | 3000 | 6000 | 2550 | 5100 | 2700 | 5400 |
| 253 | Porsche 911 | 1965 | Yes | 3000 | 6000 | 2550 | 5100 | 2700 | 5400 |
| 254 | Volkswagen Type 2 Single-Cab Pickup | 1966 | Yes | 5000 | 10'000 | 4250 | 8500 | 4500 | 9000 |
| 255 | Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 by Pininfarina | 1969 | Yes | 25'000 | 35'000 | 21'250 | 29'750 | 22'500 | 31'500 |
| 256 | Audi Treser Largo | 1985 | Yes | 5000 | 10'000 | 4250 | 8500 | 4500 | 9000 |
| 257 | Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman | 1968 | Yes | 40'000 | 50'000 | 34'000 | 42'500 | 36'000 | 45'000 |
| 258 | Mercedes-Benz 250 SE Cabriolet | 1967 | Yes | 2000 | 3000 | 1700 | 2550 | 1800 | 2700 |
| 259 | Porsche 911 S Coupé | 1971 | Yes | 4000 | 6000 | 3400 | 5100 | 3600 | 5400 |
| 260 | Audi Quattro | 1983 | Yes | 3000 | 6000 | 2550 | 5100 | 2700 | 5400 |
| 261 | Aston Martin V8 Series III | 1976 | Yes | 30'000 | 40'000 | 25'500 | 34'000 | 27'000 | 36'000 |
| 262 | Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Cabriolet | 1962 | Yes | 3000 | 5000 | 2550 | 4250 | 2700 | 4500 |
| 263 | Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Cabriolet | 1963 | Yes | 3000 | 5000 | 2550 | 4250 | 2700 | 4500 |
| 264 | Porsche 356 B 1600 Cabriolet by Reutter | 1961 | Yes | 5000 | 10'000 | 4250 | 8500 | 4500 | 9000 |
| 265 | Porsche 356 B 1600 S Roadster by Drauz | 1960 | Yes | 2000 | 3000 | 1700 | 2550 | 1800 | 2700 |
| 266 | Porsche 356 C 1600 SC Cabriolet by Reutter | 1964 | Yes | 2000 | 3000 | 1700 | 2550 | 1800 | 2700 |
| 267 | Porsche 356 A 1600 Coupé by Reutter | 1957 | Yes | 3000 | 4000 | 2550 | 3400 | 2700 | 3600 |
| 268 | Ferrari 275 GTS by Pininfarina | 1966 | Yes | 30'000 | 40'000 | 25'500 | 34'000 | 27'000 | 36'000 |
| 269 | Porsche 356 C 1600 Coupé by Karmann | 1964 | Yes | 3000 | 6000 | 2550 | 5100 | 2700 | 5400 |
| 270 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Cabriolet | 1965 | Yes | 2000 | 3000 | 1700 | 2550 | 1800 | 2700 |
| 271 | Maserati Sebring 3500 GTi Series I by Vignale | 1964 | Yes | 30'000 | 40'000 | 25'500 | 34'000 | 27'000 | 36'000 |
| 272 | Lamborghini Miura P400 S (Front Clip Only) with 1969 Volkswagen Type 2 Single-Cab Pickup | 1968 | Yes | 20'000 | 30'000 | 17'000 | 25'500 | 18'000 | 27'000 |
| 273 | Porsche 356 C Carrera 2 2000 GS Coupé by Reutter | 1963 | Yes | 2500 | 5000 | 2125 | 4250 | 2250 | 4500 |
| 274 | Maybach SW38 'Ponton-Sport' Cabriolet by Wendler | 1939 | Yes | 100'000 | 150'000 | 85'000 | 127'500 | 90'000 | 135'000 |
| 275 | BMW 502 'Marburg' Coupé by Autenrieth | 1956 | Yes | 30'000 | 50'000 | 25'500 | 42'500 | 27'000 | 45'000 |
| 276 | Mercedes-Benz 230 Coupé by Baur | 1938 | Yes | 30'000 | 50'000 | 25'500 | 42'500 | 27'000 | 45'000 |
| 277 | Maserati Mistral 4.0 Coupé by Frua | 1968 | Yes | 15'000 | 20'000 | 12'750 | 17'000 | 13'500 | 18'000 |
| 278 | Ferrari 365 GTC/4 | 1972 | Yes | 40'000 | 50'000 | 34'000 | 42'500 | 36'000 | 45'000 |
| 279 | Porsche 356 B Carrera 2 2000 GS Cabriolet | 1963 | Yes | 100'000 | 150'000 | 85'000 | 127'500 | 90'000 | 135'000 |
| 280 | Porsche 912 'Soft-Window' Targa | 1967 | Yes | 2000 | 4000 | 1700 | 3400 | 1800 | 3600 |
| 281 | BMW K100RT | 1986 | Yes | 1500 | 3000 | 1275 | 2550 | 1350 | 2700 |
| 282 | Maybach SW38 Sport Cabriolet by Spohn | 1938 | Yes | 150'000 | 200'000 | 127'500 | 170'000 | 135'000 | 180'000 |
| 283 | Iso Grifo A3/L Spider Prototype by Bertone | 1964 | Yes | 700'000 | 1'000'000 | 595'000 | 850'000 | 630'000 | 900'000 |
| 284 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster | 1957 | Yes | 800'000 | 1'000'000 | 680'000 | 850'000 | 720'000 | 900'000 |
| 285 | Porsche 356 B 1600 'Twin-Grille' Roadster by D'Ieteren | 1962 | Yes | 350'000 | 550'000 | 297'500 | 467'500 | 315'000 | 495'000 |
| 286 | Maserati Bora 4.9 | 1977 | Yes | 20'000 | 30'000 | 17'000 | 25'500 | 18'000 | 27'000 |
| 287 | Porsche 356 B Cabriolet by Reutter (Jg. Ca.) | 1961 | Yes | 3000 | 6000 | 2550 | 5100 | 2700 | 5400 |
| 288 | Iso Grifo Series I by Bertone | 1966 | Yes | 125'000 | 175'000 | 106'250 | 148'750 | 112'500 | 157'500 |
| 289 | Mercedes-Benz 290 Sedan | 1936 | Yes | 20'000 | 30'000 | 17'000 | 25'500 | 18'000 | 27'000 |
| 290 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Alloy' Gullwing | 1956 | Yes | 4'500'000 | 6'000'000 | 3'825'000 | 5'100'000 | 4'050'000 | 5'400'000 |
| 291 | Facel Vega FV2 Cabriolet Conversion | 1956 | Yes | 20'000 | 30'000 | 17'000 | 25'500 | 18'000 | 27'000 |
| 292 | BMW 503 Series I Cabriolet by Bertone | 1957 | Yes | 75'000 | 100'000 | 63'750 | 85'000 | 67'500 | 90'000 |
| 293 | Mercedes-Benz 600 Sedan | 1968 | Yes | 10'000 | 15'000 | 8500 | 12'750 | 9000 | 13'500 |
| 294 | BMW R90/6 | 1974 | Yes | 1500 | 3000 | 1275 | 2550 | 1350 | 2700 |
| 295 | Porsche 356 A Carrera 1500 GS/GT Coupé by Reutter | 1959 | Yes | 450'000 | 600'000 | 382'500 | 510'000 | 405'000 | 540'000 |
| 296 | Horch 853 Cabriolet | 1937 | Yes | 200'000 | 300'000 | 170'000 | 255'000 | 180'000 | 270'000 |
| 297 | Aston Martin V8 Vantage 'Molded Fliptail' | 1978 | Yes | 30'000 | 40'000 | 25'500 | 34'000 | 27'000 | 36'000 |
| 298 | Horch 855 Special Roadster by Gläser | 1939 | Yes | ||||||
| 299 | Mercedes-Benz 500 K 'Caracciola' Special Coupé by Sindelfingen | 1935 | Yes | ||||||
| 300 | Lamborghini Miura P400 S by Bertone | 1969 | Yes | 500'000 | 700'000 | 425'000 | 595'000 | 450'000 | 630'000 |
| 301 | Mercedes-Benz 370 S Mannheim Sport Cabriolet | 1931 | Yes | 100'000 | 150'000 | 85'000 | 127'500 | 90'000 | 135'000 |
| 302 | NSU ro80 2 Porte + 2 by Pininfarina | 1971 | Yes | 60'000 | 80'000 | 51'000 | 68'000 | 54'000 | 72'000 |
| 303 | Lamborghini Miura P400 by Bertone | 1968 | Yes | 500'000 | 700'000 | 425'000 | 595'000 | 450'000 | 630'000 |
| 304 | Maybach SW38 Cabriolet by Spohn | 1936 | Yes | 50'000 | 75'000 | 42'500 | 63'750 | 45'000 | 67'500 |
| 305 | Horch 780 Sport Cabriolet | 1933 | Yes | 90'000 | 120'000 | 76'500 | 102'000 | 81'000 | 108'000 |
| 306 | Lamborghini Miura P400 by Bertone | 1967 | Yes | 350'000 | 450'000 | 297'500 | 382'500 | 315'000 | 405'000 |
| 307 | Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Cabriolet | 1963 | Yes | 2000 | 5000 | 1700 | 4250 | 1800 | 4500 |
| 308 | Indian Fire Arrow 250 | 1956 | Yes | 1500 | 3000 | 1275 | 2550 | 1350 | 2700 |
All information is provided without guarantee.
Legend: Column NoR = No Reserve (no minimum price), Column S = Status (V = Sold, N = Not sold, Z = Withdrawn, U = Under reserve)
Est = Estimate, HP = Hammer Price, SP = Sale Price
