A hidden treasure of 50 luxury classic cars, including iconic models like the Porsche 911, Mercedes SL, and Ferrari 328 GTS, has been uncovered beneath a sports hall in Germany. These vehicles, believed to be lost for over 15 years, were finally found covered in dust, having been forgotten in an underground parking area beneath a hall that also housed three tennis courts. The discovery has stunned car enthusiasts, particularly given the rarity and value of some of the models involved.
A Forgotten Collection of Classic Cars
The collection includes 14 Porsche 911s, produced between 1974 and 1989, as well as 28 Mercedes-Benz SL/SLCs from the same era, and two Ferrari 328 GTS models from 1988. These cars were originally shipped from California, but somehow became lost in transit, vanishing from the public eye for over a decade. Their discovery in Germany has reignited interest in the world of classic car collecting, especially as many of the vehicles remain in remarkably good condition despite the passage of time.
Purchased Sight Unseen
German car dealer Benjamin David made headlines when he purchased the entire collection without having seen the vehicles in person. The location of the hidden cars was kept secret until the deal was finalised. Only after completing the purchase was David led to the underground parking area, where the cars had been stored beneath the sports hall. While the exact price of the collection has not been disclosed, estimates suggest the total value reaches well into seven figures.
Most Cars in Excellent Condition
Despite being buried under layers of thick dust, most of the cars were found to be in excellent condition. David noted that the Porsches, in particular, had remained rust-free thanks to the dry California climate. However, some of the Mercedes models will require more extensive restoration work to bring them back to their former glory.
Restoration Costs Proving Problematic
While Benjamin David originally hoped to restore the cars and resell them at a profit, increasing costs for materials and workshop space have made this task less profitable than anticipated. The idea was to refurbish the cars in Eastern Europe, where labour and parts tend to be cheaper, but the sudden spike in costs has thrown these plans into disarray. As a result, David has had to rethink his strategy for some of the more damaged cars.
Auction to Follow
Following the sale of all Porsche models, the remaining cars from the collection will be auctioned off. This event is scheduled to take place on 30th November at 11:00 am, and car enthusiasts and collectors alike are expected to show strong interest in the rare vehicles. The auction represents a unique opportunity for buyers to acquire a piece of automotive history, with some models likely to fetch significant prices.
