Rudi Klein started Porsche Foreign Auto Wrecking in the late ‘60s and over an almost 40 year period, he amassed an incredible collection of rare European cars and parts. Some of these included three Lamborghini Muiras, several rare 356s, an alloy bodied 300 SL Gullwing, and a Mercedes 500k.
The whole aura surrounding the Junkyard (as it’s been nicknamed) is interesting to say the least. Klein passed away in 2001, when these cars had significant value, however, his estate never cared to cash out or organize the collection at all. Until 2024, when RM Sotheby's announced they’d be auctioning off the collection. There was a craze around this auction, everyone was excited to see what these piles of scrap would fetch. Even the ability to view the lots was limited. I was lucky enough to attend the auction, but I was anxious to bring a digital camera, so I brought my compact (and period correct) Yashica D (medium format TLR) and two rolls of film, Portra 400 and Cinestill BWXX.
I knew this was an environment and event I would never be able to shoot again. This was really a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I wanted to really take it all in, despite my dad asking me if I was ready to leave every 15 minutes. Part of me wishes I had brought a digital camera, but the fully analog TLR kinda forced me to be stingy with what I shot.
Most of the time, after visiting something like this or attending an event, I struggle to remember the experience fully. But for some reason, the memory of this strange, bourgeoisie example of urban decay is stuck clearly in my memory.