Month in Motoring: October 2024 – Shifts and Surprises
As we wrap up October 2024, the world of classic cars is as dynamic as ever. For many collectors in the northern states, October marks the wind-down of the car season, with thoughts turning to off-season storage, repairs, and maintenance. For southern state enthusiasts, however, October is when the car season hits its stride, as temperatures mellow and those steamy summer months become a memory. Wherever you’re located, the month brings a unique perspective on how geography and climate shape the car hobby.
North vs. South: Seasonal Shifts for Collectors
Living in Indiana gave me a full appreciation for the impact of seasons on car collecting, but now, as a resident of sunny southern Florida, I can see both sides of the coin. For northern collectors, winter isn’t just downtime—it’s an opportunity. With the car off the road for months, there’s ample time to work on minor issues and prevent potential breakdowns that might otherwise disrupt the peak season in June. Winter also provides time to go through a crucial checklist to prepare for the months in storage, which we’ll explore more in next month’s Month in Motoring.
Meanwhile, in states like Florida and Arizona, the season is non-stop. For single-car collectors, that makes scheduling maintenance or major repairs a bit tricky. But, as northerners avoid the cold, southerners often take their cars off the road in the scorching summer months. Timing, in either location, becomes a strategy to maximize enjoyment and keep vehicles in top shape.
Staying Connected: The Power of Collector Community
Regardless of geography, one of the joys of the car-collecting hobby is the network of fellow enthusiasts across the country. For those in the north, winter can mean heading to sunnier states to reconnect with friends and attend events or auctions. For southern state residents, the cooler months are ideal for visiting friends up north, maybe even participating in classic rallies like Minnesota’s New London to New Brighton Antique Car Run. The off-season is only “off” if you let it be—otherwise, it can be an opportunity to reconnect, explore, and share the love of vintage cars.
Highlights of October’s Auction Season
October also wrapped up the last major collector car auctions of the year. One of the highlights was the RM Sotheby’s auction featuring the legendary Rudi Klein Collection, a “barn find” in spirit, if not reality. Rudi’s collection was a scrapyard of forgotten treasures, where, for decades, he stored rare Porsches, Mercedes, and other gems in Southern Los Angeles. After decades, 566 lots of parts and vehicles brought in almost $30 million, nearly doubling the initial estimate.
The auction’s star was a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing with an aluminum body, one of only 29 ever made, fetching an astounding $9.35 million—a new record. Close behind was the unique 1935 Mercedes 500K, originally built for racing legend Rudolf Caracciola, selling for $4.1 million. The stories these cars could tell make them worth every dollar, especially when collectors see beyond the patina to the history and heritage beneath.
The Future of “Forgotten” Finds
A common saying among collectors is, “All the barn finds have been found.” But Rudi Klein’s collection challenges that idea. It represents a trend of “forgotten” cars—vehicles collected in the 1950s through the 1990s and then tucked away, sometimes due to age, interest shifts, or simply lost connections. These forgotten cars aren’t the hidden barn finds of legend, but with some detective work, they can be rediscovered and brought back to life.
For those entering their regional off-season, with their car in the shop and hands a bit idle, consider becoming a collector’s version of Sherlock Holmes. Sometimes, a gem awaits in the most ordinary barn you pass by every day.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of Rediscovery
Whether you’re bracing for winter or basking in year-round warmth, October offers all collectors a unique time for reflection, maintenance, and even a bit of adventure. The downtime is a chance to prepare, but it’s also an opportunity to uncover new stories and share old ones, reminding us why we love this hobby.
Happy motoring!
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