There’s a bittersweet feeling in the air as the automotive world reflects on one of its most beloved custodians. The Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum in Chicago, long a haven for enthusiasts seeking inspiration, beauty, and history on four wheels, has now closed its doors following the passing of founder Larry Klairmont.
For those eager to experience Larry’s remarkable vehicles in person, the museum will open for a final preview on September 13–14 and September 19 only. Outside of these dates, the museum remains closed, making this a rare opportunity to explore the incredible diversity of cars Larry collected over a lifetime—from Jeeps and muscle cars to pre-war classics, modern luxury vehicles, and one-of-a-kind concept cars.
Tickets for the preview days will be available at the door for $20 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Museum’s Foundation. Registered bidders receive complimentary access.
Following the preview, the vehicles will go to auction on September 20–21. Attendance during the auction is limited to registered bidders only, but the preview days offer anyone a chance to see these rare cars up close and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Having attended the Mecum auction in Harrisburg this past July with a media pass, I can attest that even as a spectator, it’s a thrilling experience—part car show, part collector’s meet-up, and a chance to see rare vehicles up close. While my media access allowed an even closer look behind the scenes, the preview days in Chicago are an unforgettable opportunity for any enthusiast to experience these incredible machines.
The list of cars is far too extensive to profile every gem, but here’s a glimpse at some of the standout vehicles heading to auction.
The Golden Sahara II
Photos Courtesy of Mecum Auctions, Inc
By Guessing Headlights
One of the most legendary custom cars of the 20th century, the Golden Sahara II began as a 1953 Lincoln Capri hardtop owned by Hollywood customizer George Barris, who first turned it into The Golden Sahara. In the mid-1950s, Ohio businessman Jim Street commissioned the Delphos Machine and Tool Company to create a radical new version for $75,000—an astronomical sum for the time.
The Dodge Dart Swinger 340 Concept Car was designed and built in Detroit by the Alexander Bros. for Chrysler, and made its public debut at the 1969 Chicago Auto Show.
Previously owned by the Steven Juliano Collection, it underwent a comprehensive restoration using original and NOS parts; it features a 340 CI V-8 engine with 4-barrel carburetor, dual exhaust, 4-speed manual transmission, power steering and brakes, finished in Maroon Metallic with a black tail stripe, and fitted with square Cibie headlamps plus inboard fog lamps.
Designed by legendary Tatra engineer Hans Ledwinka, this rear-engined sedan features aerodynamic styling, unibody construction, and distinctive touches such as a cyclops third headlamp and rear fin.
Chassis no. 69324 carries a 2970cc SOHC air-cooled magnesium alloy V-8 with a single downdraft carburetor and 4-speed manual, and was comprehensively restored at Burnham’s Garage in Delanson, New York, finished in green with a matching leather interior and seating for six.
The 1950 Willys-Overland Jeepster Convertible, designed by Brooks Stevens, was part of Willys-Overland’s effort to enter the passenger car market while still known for utilitarian trucks. It is rear-wheel drive with a 148 CI Lightning inline 6-cylinder engine, 3-speed manual transmission with Borg-Warner overdrive, and a three-on-the-tree column shifter.
The Jeepster features a soft top with boot, bright bumpers and exterior trim, a split bench seat, and a two-tone yellow and black paint scheme.
The one-off Oldsmobile “Mod Rod” concept was built for the 1968 Chicago Auto Show, powered by a 400 CI V-8 with a 4-speed manual, and finished in a striking vertical fade from orange to yellow to white.
Its yellow-and-brown custom interior, glass rear-window convertible top, and show-car detailing were executed by GM-Oldsmobile; afterward, it was purchased by dealer R.L. “Rooster” Bush, whose daughter is believed to have put most of the mileage on it commuting to college.
This 1974 Bricklin SV-1, Serial No. 00001, is an unrestored example finished in original Suntan Beige acrylic over a fiberglass body with iconic gull-wing doors.
Powered by a 360 CI V-8 with an automatic transmission, it comes equipped with air conditioning, marking the very first production Bricklin built.
This 1926 Super Sports, No. 7 of 17 produced and the only known surviving example, debuted at the 1926 New York Auto Show and is recognized as a CCCA Full Classic. It was originally owned by Richard Mellin of Mellin & Moran, later passed to his grandson, and was part of Harrah’s Automobile Collection from 1973–1983.
Restored to original condition by Eric and Vivian LaVine in Indiana, the car features a 315/105 HP L-head inline 8-cylinder engine with 3-speed manual transmission, copper-plated trim, Edmund & Jones headlamps, laminated mahogany airfoil bumpers, and cycle fenders that turn with the front wheels.
Serial No. 1 is a pre-production engineering prototype and the first 1986 Wrangler off the Brampton, Ontario production line, fully restored and mechanically refreshed while retaining original factory chalk marks in the interior floor and engine bay.
This YJ-generation Wrangler, successor to the CJ, features a 2.5L inline 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel drive with aluminum 2-speed transfer case, swing-away spare carrier, and was intended exclusively for off-road demonstrations and testing, not street legal.
This 1971 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible was previously owned by Helen Brach, the famed “Candy Lady,” and is finished in the specialty Magenta “Brach Candy Purple” with an off-white top and leather interior accented with matching Magenta piping.
Powered by a 6.75L V-8 with automatic transmission, power steering, and brakes, it has just 16,855 miles and comes with copies of its build sheet and warranty card.
This 1983 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Custom Sedan features a 6.75L V-8 with automatic transmission and a two-tone white-and-blue crystal-covered exterior, reportedly adorned with over 1 million faux crystals.
Its blue leather bucket-seat interior, rear bucket seats, polished Spirit of Ecstasy, tinted windows, chrome accents, whitewall tires, and dual chrome-tipped exhaust are complemented by copies of factory and dealer paperwork.
The 1929 Kissel 8-126 White Eagle Speedster, one of only two known surviving examples, was built by the Kissel family in Hartford, Wisconsin, and features a Kissel-modified Lycoming inline 8-cylinder engine with a 3-speed manual transmission.
Its aluminum bodywork rides on a double-drop chassis with a 139-inch wheelbase, solid front and live rear axles with hydraulic shocks, and includes a rumble seat, chrome wire wheels, and luggage rack.
The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz is one of 1,320 produced that year, designed by Harley Earl, powered by a 390 CI V-8 with three 2-barrel carburetors, gold air cleaner, and automatic transmission, with a power-operated convertible top and body-color parade boot.
It features white leather interior with brushed aluminum trim, optional bucket seats with 6-way power adjustment, factory air conditioning, fog lamps, air suspension, AM radio, power windows and locks, automatic trunk release, Autronic-Eye headlights, and iconic large tailfins on a 130-inch wheelbase and 225-inch overall length.
The 1918 Pierce-Arrow Model 48 Coupe, known as the “Hope Diamond of Cars,” features a custom 23-karat gold exterior with nickel-plated fenders and hood, and a gold- or nickel-plated chassis and engine.
Powered by a 525/48 HP T-head inline 6-cylinder with 4-speed manual transmission, it includes a hand-tooled burgundy leather interior with silver-plated and Brazilian rosewood accents, hickory-spoke artillery wheels coated in gold leaf, silk window curtains, and right-hand drive.
The 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Aero Coupe features custom coachwork by Classic Auto Rebuilding Service, right-hand drive, and is powered by a 7340cc/165 HP V-12 with aluminum heads, marine-type connecting rods, hydraulic lifters, triple-pressure oiling, and a 4-speed synchromesh manual transmission.
Finished in indigo with dual side-mount spares, Lalique Chrysis radiator mascot, lilac Scottish leather interior, black walnut burl wood veneer, European goose-down cushions, English wool carpets, and Marchal lighting, it rides on a 140-inch wheelbase and includes copies of the build sheet and chassis card.
The 2002 Lincoln Continental Concept, shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show, is powered by a 6.0L/414 HP Aston Martin V-12 with a 6-speed automatic transmission, finished in Silver Sea Spray with a full-length chrome shoulder accent.
Its beige leather interior features front and rear bucket seats with integrated belts, a minimalist full-length dash, polished metal-trim center console, fiber optic lighting, rear suicide doors, flush handles, and a power-operated trunk with a hinged top and pull-out tray for luggage; it rides on a 136.6-inch wheelbase and was part of the “Retrofuturism: The Car Design of J Mays” exhibit.
The Hispano-Suiza H6B Torpedo reflects the Spanish-Swiss heritage of its creators, Marc Birkigt and Emilio de la Cuadra, and was purportedly originally delivered to banker H. Rothbarth, a director of Weymann’s Motor Bodies in Surrey, England. It is one of only two known Hispano-Suizas with fabric bodywork.
Restored in 2011 by noted H6B restorer Eric Rosenau (except front fenders refinished previously in Hawaii), it features a 6597cc SOHC inline 6-cylinder engine producing 135 HP, with aircraft-derived aluminum block construction, two valves per cylinder, single overhead camshaft, and a pressure-lubricated crankshaft. The engine block was recast by French specialist Eric Limpaler due to original electrolysis damage. The car rides on a 133.3-inch wheelbase with 3-speed manual transmission, torpedo-style Weymann fabric body, solid front and live rear axles with semi-elliptical springs, and 4-wheel servo-assisted mechanical drum brakes.
As the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum opens its doors one last time, we honor Larry Klairmont’s lifelong dedication to preserving automotive history.
His vision brought together cars, stories, and memories in a way that inspired enthusiasts around the world. Whether you visit the museum during its final preview or attend the auction, take a moment to appreciate the passion, care, and joy that Larry poured into every vehicle.
This is more than a collection—it’s a legacy, one we are fortunate to experience and celebrate.
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