The Crash of a Classic Car Legend

In the photo above: Examination of a manipulated Mercedes 300 SL by the LKA Baden-Württemberg.

It is one of the most spectacular business scandals of recent years. The focus of the proceedings is the Mercedes specialist Kienle from Heimerdingen, north of Stuttgart.

A trading and restoration company with an excellent worldwide reputation and wealthy customers from all parts of the world: car enthusiasts, crowned heads, industrialists and show stars.

Case makes headlines worldwide

In May 2023, two dozen officers searched the workshops, offices and private rooms of the Kienle Automobiltechnik company.

The managing director, Klaus Kienle, is considered one of the best restorers in the world for an icon of German automotive art: the Mercedes 300 SL. The authorities accuse Kienle of commercial fraud.

Specifically, it is an SL from 1961. Its value is around 1,6 million euros. Kienle is said to have sold the vehicle, an exquisite gullwing, as a fake.

The case is making headlines around the world and causing an earthquake in the world of luxury classics. Many are asking themselves: Is this just the tip of the iceberg?

Only interview of the main suspect

Who are the alleged victims, who are the actors? And who are the accomplices? How big is the dimension of this criminal case?

In the documentary “Classic car scandal – the deep fall of Klaus Kienle”, former customers as well as former employees of the Kienle company speak exclusively.

The SWR was given documents that shed a completely new light on this case.

And: The SWR journalists are the only ones in the world to whom the main suspect in this economic crime has given an interview.

“Classic car scandal – the deep fall of Klaus Kienle” will be broadcast on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 21:00 p.m. on SWR television and can be found in the media library.

Sierks Media / © Photo: SWR, Südwestrundfunk