Chicago Auto Museum Is Auctioning Off Its Entire Classic Car Collection

Entire collection of vintage and classic cars will go up for auction this September without reserve

By Tara Hurlin

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August 7, 2025
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The Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum in Chicago announced that it is permanently closing its doors, also confirming that the entire collection of vintage and classic cars will go up for auction this September without reserve.

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Larry Klairmont, the museum’s founder and collector, passed away in July, leaving behind an inventory of around 300 collector vehicles. Klairmont was an avid collector who utilized the museum as a way to showcase the best models from his collection.

Despite its main use as a holding area for Klairmont’s coolest vintage cars, the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum, a 100,000 square foot building in Chicago, quickly gained popularity as a “hidden gem” for automotive enthusiasts. Its website states it houses “over 300 award-winning and historic vehicles.”

Rare Museum Cars Head To Auction in Chicago

The museum is known for its diverse collection, including movie cars, cars owned by famous individuals, and a selection of miniature cars. Some specific vehicles that have been mentioned as part of the collection include a 1967 Shelby GT500, a 1957 Chevy Bel Air, a 1934 Duesenberg, two versions of the Batmobile, and one-off manufacturer concepts. There are also high-end luxury cars from mid-century Europe and the United States in the mix.


“Headlining the collection is the legendary Golden Sahara II, a futuristic custom car icon that captivated America’s imagination in the late 1950s, and the one-of-a-kind 1926 Rickenbacker Eight Super Sport that is believed to be the only example still extant today,” the Mecum Auctions press release reads.

Mecum Auctions said it plans to auction off everything, including an “estimated 295 collector vehicles and over 1,000 pieces of Road Art.”

“This auction celebrates the lasting impact of the late Larry Klairmont, whose lifelong passion for preserving automotive history led to the creation of one of the most extraordinary car museums in the country. Headlining the collection is the legendary Golden Sahara II, a futuristic custom car icon that captivated America’s imagination in the late 1950s, and the one-of-a-kind 1926 Rickenbacker Eight Super Sport that is believed to be the only example still extant today.

The public will have a final opportunity to tour the museum during the preview weekend, September 13-14, before it permanently closes its doors following the auction. Preview days are open at no charge to registered bidders, and the public is welcome to attend with the purchase of a general admission ticket. Proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit the Larry’s Legacy Foundation.”

The auction for the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum will take place from September 19th through the 21st. Each item will be listed and sold without a reserve price. Additional details can be found on the Mecum Auctions website.