URGENT UPDATE: The iconic Klairmont car collection, featuring over 284 rare vehicles, is set to go under the hammer at Mecum Auctions this weekend in Chicago. Following the closure of the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum, the auction will take place from September 19-21, 2023, with an estimated value of $12-$15 million.
This exclusive event marks the end of an era for car enthusiasts and collectors alike, as the beloved collection amassed by the late Larry Klairmont will finally be available for bidding. Klairmont, a real estate mogul who passed away in 2021, dedicated over two decades to curating this fascinating assortment of automobiles, showcasing his eclectic taste.
Visitors can view the collection one last time today, with a $20 entrance fee, before the auction begins tomorrow. The sale is expected to draw significant interest, not only from local collectors but also from international bidders eager to own a piece of automotive history.
Among the standout vehicles are a 1926 Rickenbacker and a 1959 Golden Sahara, both anticipated to fetch six-figure bids due to their rarity and historical significance. The Rickenbacker, in particular, has become a coveted item in the collector community, with enthusiasts chasing it for over 15 years.
According to Gus Kozar, a board member of the Klairmont foundation, the proceeds from this auction will fund charitable initiatives, including scholarships for automotive trade schools. “There’s a shortage of people with those skills right now,” Kozar emphasized, highlighting the growing need for professionals in auto restoration and mechanics.
The collection features numerous unique vehicles, including mid-century bubbletop cars that evoke nostalgia for a bygone era of design innovation. Kozar explained, “Custom builders were a huge thing in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s; everyone was building cars to how they wanted to see them in the future.” This weekend’s auction represents a significant moment in automotive culture, coinciding with shifting perspectives on car ownership and environmental concerns.
As the auction unfolds, the process of relocating the cars will be complex, as they fill every corner of the museum. “It’s going to be a valet game of Jenga,” Kozar remarked, emphasizing the logistical challenges ahead.
The emotional weight of this event is palpable. Klairmont’s son, Alfred Klairmont, expressed mixed feelings about the museum’s closure, stating, “My dad wanted this to be his legacy. Now it’s ending.” However, the necessity of restructuring the foundation to support future generations of automotive enthusiasts cannot be overlooked.
With the auction just hours away, the Klairmont car collection is set to captivate bidders and spectators alike, marking a pivotal transition in the world of automotive collecting. For more information and to register for bidding, visit www.mecum.com. Don’t miss your chance to witness this historic event!
