Rare 1911 Laurin & Klement Type S2 Sportswagen featuring early active aerodynamics goes to auction in February 2025, estimated at up to $150,000.
1911 Laurin & Klement Sportswagen: Early Active Aero Could Fetch $150K at Auction
A rare 1911 Laurin & Klement car, showcasing an early form of active aerodynamics, is set to be auctioned in late February 2025 with an estimated value of up to $150,000.
Skoda’s Roots in Automotive Innovation
While Skoda is well-known across Europe and Asia, it remains relatively obscure in North America. Yet, American collectors might pay a premium for a historic vehicle crafted by Skoda’s founders, Laurin & Klement.
Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement founded Laurin & Klement in 1895 in the Kingdom of Bohemia. This company evolved into Skoda in 1925, becoming part of the Volkswagen Group. Today’s Skoda lineup includes practical hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs, none approaching the $150,000 value of this 1911 model.
The 1911 Laurin & Klement Type S2 Sportswagen: A Collector’s Gem
This striking vintage car features classic design elements of its era but stands out due to its pioneering active aerodynamic system—an innovation long before such technology became common in racing.
Originally built as a race car, it belonged to Austrian Baron Leo Haan, who added a wooden and canvas rudder mechanism acting as an adjustable rear wing. This early active aero device was linked to the steering, producing side force during cornering to reduce skidding, addressing the vehicle’s primitive handling.
The Story Behind Its Value and Legacy
Baron Haan raced the car in a 1911 hill climb in Troppau, where the modification helped him secure second place overall. Afterward, the car’s racing history fades, with the vehicle eventually passing to a second owner.
In 1964, it entered the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum's collection, remaining mostly in storage and occasionally misidentified as a 1906 model. While it has undergone some maintenance and repainting, the car remains largely unrestored, retaining original upholstery and engine finishes.
The Type S2 Sportswagen, one of perhaps only three ever made, is offered directly from the museum alongside other prestigious vintage cars. Its rarity is heightened by the destruction of the other two examples, making this vehicle uniquely valuable—complete with original delivery papers.
RM Sotheby’s estimates the auction price between $100,000 and $150,000. We’ll follow this sale and share updates on the final outcome.
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