The Junkyard Collection
RM Sotheby’s will offer The Junkyard Collection for sale on October 26, 2024 with previews available on the 25th. This collection was assembled by Rudi Klein starting in 1967 and was the stuff of legends, merely whispered amongst enthusiasts. Until now – this is the first time the collection will be offered for sale publicly and it will be an opportunity to buy some extremely rare classic cars that are prime for restorations.
This Porsche 356 B appears to be completely unrestored and shows less than 600 miles. It features a matching-numbers engine and transaxle as documented by its Kardex. While it clearly needs some time and money invested to return it to its original glory, it still wears its factory-original Oslo Blue paint with a grey interior and ivory soft top.
This Porsche was acquired by Rudi Klein in 1978 and was then brought to his home for a period of time before being stored at Porche Foreign Auto’s junkyard. It spent a little time in the 1980s at the Aase Brothers Porsche shop so expert restorers could study the original factory finishes for future restorations.
Estimate: $350,000 – $550,000
This is a true one-off car – the only Iso Grifo convertible built. It was completed along with the original Grifo A3/L prototype coupe and displayed on the auto show circuit in Europe.
This car has spent most of its time, following Rudi Klein’s acquisition in 1980, out of the public eye and presents an opportunity for the most passionate of Iso Griffo enthusiasts to restore it to a concours-level condition.
This unique car would undoubtedly be welcomed at most any concours worldwide.
Estimate: $700,000 – $1,000,000
As remarkable as the 300 SL Gullwing is, the most desirable and valuable examples of this iconic model are the 29 alloy-bodied examples produced. The one set to be offered by RM Sotheby’s is the 26th to be completed and was ordered by Luigi Chinetti of Ferrari-importing fame.
This was the only example of the alloy-bodied Gullwings to be finished in black with a red interior. Rudi Klein placed a deposit on the car with Luigi Chinetti Motors in August of 1976, 10% of the $30,000 he paid for the car. It arrived at Porche Foreign Auto in 1977 and was noted as running well with no damage.
It remained in Klein’s collection, well out of the public view until it was displayed at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction this year. It’s covered about 45,600 miles since new and is ready for its next caretaker to restore it to its former glory.
Estimate: $4,500,000 – $6,000,000