Villach Collection

Online auction without reserve prices from March 3–15, 2026 – Live finale with viewing in Villach

Over 200 vehicles of European mobility history – exceptionally curated, maintained as museum pieces and without reserve price. On-site viewing possible during the live finale.

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Villach Collection

The "Villach Collection" auction has ended.

Start: 03/03/2026, 16:45:00 GMT – End: 15/03/2026, 18:45:00 GMT

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Auction Catalog

Bid on 200+ classic vehicles.

Browse through the unique offer. Use the "Watch" function to be informed about the start of the auction and new bids. All auctions are without reserve price.

Potential Bargains

These auctions have the lowest current bids relative to their estimates — worth a closer look.

The Story

A Collection Built on Passion

Rudolf Pirker didn't collect trophies. He collected memories on wheels. What began in 1962 as a rescue mission—saving decommissioned, rusted vehicles from the scrapyard—grew over six decades into one of the most authentic collections of European everyday mobility. No luxury cars, no status symbols. Instead: Goggomobils, Lloyd "street singers," BMW Isettas, Puch motorcycles and Lohner scooters—vehicles that represented freedom, independence and the start of a new life for millions of people.

In 1987, the Villach Oldtimer Museum opened its doors on the Draupromenade. After 20 years, it moved to a larger building in Villach-Zauchen with 1,000 m² of exhibition space, doubled in 2015/16. Together with his sons Kurti and Rudi, Rudolf Pirker restored the vehicles, built a workshop and created a place where adults rediscovered memories and young people learned what mobility once looked like.

After Rudolf Pirker's death in 2021, the question arose that eventually catches up with many collections: What happens when the person is gone who held it all together? The answer was a deliberate one: no preservation behind glass, no gathering dust. Instead, passing it on. The more than 200 vehicles are now finding new owners—people with their own idea of happiness on wheels. A rare opportunity to become part of a living history.

Highlights of the Villach Collection

Selected Automobiles of the Villach Collection

Selected Motorcycles of the Villach Collection

Auction with Viewing

Experience the collection in person

A rare opportunity: Inspect over 200 vehicles in person before you bid. The collection will be seen together for one last time.

Why attend in person?

Personal Viewing

Check the condition, originality and important details of the vehicles on site – an invaluable advantage for serious buyers.

On-site Bidding

Bid directly at the vehicle via QR code – you enter the same bidding system as online, only with the advantage of having the object directly in front of you.

Unique Opportunity

See the collection one last time on site – a unique opportunity to participate in the sale of such an interesting collection.

Equal Chance for All

Online and on-site bidders have the same chances – fair conditions for all participants, whether in a café in Berlin or on site in Villach.

Viewing Dates

Date

March 14, 2026: 10 AM - 6 PM March 15, 2026: 10 AM - 8 PM

Location

Ferdinand Wedenig Straße 9
AT-9500 Villach-Zauchen
(former museum location)

Access

Access only with entry on the guest list.

Register for viewing

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History

60 Years of Passion for Collecting – A Timeline

From the 2026 auction back to the first rescue in 1962 – the history of an extraordinary collection.

Auction with Viewing
2026

Auction with Viewing

March 3–15: The collection finds new owners at Classic Trader. Over 200 vehicles are being passed on – not as a loss, but as a transition.

Classic Trader Auction
Death of Rudolf Pirker
2021

Death of Rudolf Pirker

The founder and collector passes away after 60 years of passion. The question of the future of the collection arises.

End of an Era
Expansion
2015-2016

Expansion

Doubling of exhibition space to 2,000m². New workshop for restoration and maintenance of vehicles.

2,000m² Exhibition Space
25th Anniversary
2012

25th Anniversary

The museum celebrates its 25th anniversary with over 240 exhibits. A quarter century of preserving mobility history.

25 Years Museum
Move to Villach-Zauchen
2007

Move to Villach-Zauchen

New, larger museum building with 1,000m² of exhibition space. More room for the constantly growing collection.

Ferdinand Wedenig Straße 9
Museum Opening in Villach
1987

Museum Opening in Villach

The Villach Oldtimer Museum opens on the Draupromenade. Collector's passion becomes a public museum for everyday vehicles.

Draupromenade Villach
Beginning of the Collection
1962

Beginning of the Collection

Rudolf Pirker begins rescuing decommissioned vehicles from scrapping. What was then worthless junk is now appreciated as a classic car.

First Rescue Operations

Classic Motorcycles by Puch

Classic Cars by Steyr-Puch

What makes this collection special

Everyday vehicles with history

This collection does not show luxury cars or status symbols. Here you will find authentic vehicles that meant freedom and independence for millions of people – lovingly saved, restored and maintained.

Authentic everyday vehicles

No exotic rarities, but vehicles that everyone knows: Goggomobil, Lloyd, BMW Isetta, NSU Prinz, Fiat 500 – memories on wheels.

Austrian mobility history

Special focus on Austrian brands: Puch, KTM, Lohner, Steyr – vehicles that represent domestic engineering.

260 vehicles from 6 decades

From 1927 to 1990: A comprehensive journey through time through European motorization – from pre-war models to modern classics.

Rescue of historical cultural assets

Many vehicles were personally restored by Rudolf Pirker and his sons – with passion and craftsmanship over 60 years.

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How it works

Your own vehicle in 3 steps

Whether online or on site – the process is simple and transparent. All bidders have the same chances.

1

Register

Create a free Classic Trader account and qualify for the auction by depositing a payment method, phone number and residence. This ensures a fair bidding environment for all participants.

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2

Browse catalog

Discover over 200 vehicles in the online catalog. Save your favorites and check details, condition descriptions and photos. Optional: Visit the viewing on March 14–15 in Villach for a personal inspection.

3

Bid & Win

Place your bids conveniently online from March 3–15. On site? Simply scan the QR code on the vehicle – you will be directed directly to the auction page. After a successful bid, you will receive information on payment and collection.

Equal chances for all

Whether you are online from home, from the beach, from the ski slope, the office or on site in Villach – all participants use the same platform and have the same rights.

Collection of Winning Vehicles – Villach Collection

Collection of your winning vehicles will be possible on the following dates:

  • Sunday, March 15: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday, March 20: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, March 21: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday, March 27: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, March 28: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Important note: Please arrange the exact collection date directly with the seller. Classic Trader acts exclusively as an intermediary.

After full payment of the auction fees, you will receive the purchase documentation including the seller's contact details for arranging an appointment.

Thank you for your participation!

Further information on the auction process can be found in our frequently asked questions or in the general terms and conditions .

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