Mecum’s ‘Larry’s Legacy’ Private Collection Auction in Chicago
The auction of Larry Klairmont’s collection achieves over $16.5 million in sales as more than 700 lots find new owners…
Mecum Auctions held its “Larry’s Legacy” auction in Chicago on Sept. 19–21. More than 1,200 registered bidders attended the two-day event, celebrating the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum. The auction achieved $16.5 million in total sales with every lot finding a new home, marking a fitting tribute to the legacy of Larry Klairmont, company officials stated in a press release.
The auction included rare prewar models and exotic coachbuilt customs to one-of-a-kind concept cars and cultural icons such as the Golden Sahara II. Each sale celebrated the vision of Klairmont, affirming his collection’s diversity, significance and lasting impact on the collector car community, noted the release.
Notable Vehicles & Road Art at the “Larry’s Legacy” Auction
The auction resulted in strong sales for many of the collection’s most coveted offerings, including the legendary Golden Sahara II, which sold for $1.265 million. Other notable sales included a 1926 Rickenbacker Eight Super Sport that sold for $440,000; a 1969 Joe Bailon Barber Shop Custom, which sold for $176,000; and a fan-favorite 1947 Tatra T87 that brought $220,000.
The auction also saw plenty of Road Art cross the block, including a Chris-Craft Boat Bar, Server and Neon Sign that demanded a $33,040 sale and a 1960 Mobil Pegasus single-sided porcelain animated neon sign that brought $27,140.
In all, the auction saw 275 collector vehicles and more than 1,000 pieces of Road Art sell at no reserve with proceeds benefiting the foundation. The top sales from this one-of-a-kind collection include:
Top Vehicles
- The Golden Sahara II (Lot S198) at $1,265,000
- 1926 Rickenbacker Eight Super Sport (Lot S273) at $440,000
- 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Aero Coupe (Lot S274) at $352,000
- 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz (Lot S195) at $286,000
- 1949 Bentley B Special Speed 8 (Lot S224) at $280,500
Top Road Art
- Chris-Craft Boat Bar, Server and Neon Sign (Lot U242) at $33,040
- 1960 Mobil Pegasus Single-Sided Porcelain Animated Neon Sign (Lot S144) at $27,140
- Spirit of Ecstasy Rolls-Royce Bronze Statue (Lot S143) at $23,600
- Tucker 6-Cylinder Engine (Lot S264) at $20,060
- Pontiac Single-Sided Porcelain Neon Sign (Lot U172) at $20,060
Upcoming Mecum Auctions
Next on the Mecum auction calendar is the Indy Fall Special, located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Oct. 2-4, 2025. The event includes entries from the Larry Legro Collection , a fleet of meticulously preserved purpose-built trucks, offering a rare opportunity to see a few of history’s heavy-haulers.
