September 26th 2024.
In a most remarkable discovery, three vintage Lamborghini Miuras have been unearthed in a junkyard. These iconic cars, often hailed as the first ever supercars, have been left abandoned for decades and are now set to be auctioned off with an estimated total value of £1.5 million.
The collection was once owned by the late Rudi Klein, a well-known car enthusiast and proprietor of Porsche Foreign Auto Wrecking. Klein sadly passed away in 2001, leaving his treasured cars to gather dust and fade into obscurity.
But now, these long-forgotten beauties will have the chance to shine once again as they go up for auction at the end of October. The event, entitled "The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection," marks the first time that this elusive collection will be made available to the public.
One of the highlights of the auction is a 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400, believed to have once belonged to Lamborghini engineer and test driver Claudio Zampolli. Zampolli is credited with introducing Lamborghinis to Southern California in the 1970s, making this particular car a truly remarkable find.
It is reported that Zampolli sold the car to Klein's wrecking company in 1978, and it has remained in storage for a staggering 46 years before its recent discovery. This speaks to the rarity and exclusivity of the Miura, which was originally unveiled as a prototype at the 1965 Turin Motor Show and officially released at the 1966 Geneva Salon.
The Miura P400, known for its impressive 350 horsepower and top speed of 170 mph, was only produced in limited numbers, with just 275 units before being succeeded by the upgraded P400S. RM Sotheby's, the prestigious auction house managing the sale, has highlighted the significance of the 1968 Miura P400 in their listing, calling it "one of the true paragons of sports car design" and "a blue-chip collectible of unanimous merit."
This particular Miura was originally finished in Lamborghini's signature Giallo Miura color with a Bleu leatherette interior. Its first recorded owner was none other than Mr. Zampolli, adding to its already impressive provenance. Although it has undergone a color change to a bright aqua green, the car has remained in storage for almost 50 years, making it a prime candidate for restoration.
For those passionate about classic cars, this auction presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own not just one, but three of Lamborghini's most iconic models. RM Sotheby's acknowledges the potential for a major restoration project, stating that "for the true purist of automotive archaeology, who would be so bold as to oversee a major rejuvenation, there could hardly be a more inviting prospect."
With its rich history and undeniable allure, it is no surprise that this auction is expected to draw considerable interest from collectors eager to add a piece of supercar history to their collection. So mark your calendars, because this is a chance you don't want to miss!
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