Hidden BMW Treasures Found in Los Angeles Junkyard

Like most rare and desirable cars, vintage BMWs tend to pop up in unlikely places. And while a junkyard in South Los Angeles probably isn’t the most unlikely destination for 70-year old treasure to end up in, it’s still a bit surprising. Especially when that destination happens to be a junkyard. While markedly less glamorous than anything you could call a “barn find,” auction house RM Sotheby’s has apparently discovered quite a trove of collectibles that will be available in October at auction. In “The Junkyard,” there’s even a couple of pretty rare BMWs.

Rare BMWs in the JunkyardNot the actual car for sale

While there are also two BMW motorcycles for sale – a K100RT and R90/6 – the most interesting motorized BMWs available in the Junkyard are definitely the two-doors. The first is a ‘Marburg’ Coupe, the only known example built by Karosseriebau Autenrieth, a German coachbuilder. Built upon a BMW 502 chassis, this 1956 model was eventually imported to the States and was purchased by Rudy Klein – the junkyard’s proprietor – with around 75,000 kilometers on it. Sotheby’s calls it “ripe for restoration” – an accurate assessment.

In a bit better condition and only slightly less special, the other BMW of note is a 1957 BMW 503 Series I Cabriolet. It’s one of just 78 aluminum-bodied Series I cars, and still wears factory white paint and a blue soft-top. Rudy picked this one up for $11,000 back in 1984 – today, RM says the car could fetch between $75,000 and $100,000.

There’s an Online Auction, Too

Not sure about downsizing your portfolio to acquire cars clearly in need of some specialized TLC? I don’t blame you, but you can still get in on the BMW action. Via RM’s online auction platform you can still bid on two lots that promise to command a bit more reasonable pricing. Bid on a pair of E24 rear seats in what can only be described as “meh” condition. Or, opt for lot 516, which is simply titled “BMW Parts and Books.” A taillight from an E24 is visible, as is a valve cover and what may be an M20 engine’s intake manifold?  We’re not 100 percent sure. There are also some books and other odds and ends.

There are also a handful of interesting oddities from the world of Rolls-Royce up for sale. A very damaged 1979 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II is being offered, as are an assortment of RR grilles, hub covers, and even two V8 engines.

Anyway, I encourage you to check out the Junkyard, or Rudi Klein Collection, for yourself. It all goes down on October 26th, and if your interests extend past the BMW and Rolls-Royce world, you won’t be disappointed. There’s some Volkswagen stuff, literal tons of Porsche drivetrain components, and even a moderately-tarnished Mercedes-Benz Gullwing that’s estimated to hit around $6 million.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

First published by https://www.bmwblog.com

Hidden BMW Treasures Found in Los Angeles Junkyard

Hidden BMW Treasures Found in Los Angeles Junkyard

Hidden BMW Treasures Found in Los Angeles Junkyard

Hidden BMW Treasures Found in Los Angeles Junkyard

Hidden BMW Treasures Found in Los Angeles Junkyard