| Mercedes-Benz SSK | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Production | 1928–1932 |
| Assembly | Germany:Bremen |
| Designer | Ferdinand Porsche |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car (S) |
| Body style | 2-doorroadster |
| Layout | FMR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | superchargedM06 7,069 cc (7.1 L)SOHCI6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed non-synchro manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 116 in (2,950 mm) |
| Length | 167 in (4,240 mm) |
| Width | 67 in (1,700 mm) |
| Height | 68 in (1,730 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3,750 lb (1,700 kg) |
TheMercedes-Benz SSK (W06) is aroadster built by Germanautomobile manufacturerMercedes-Benz between 1928 and 1932. The name is anabbreviation ofSuper Sport Kurz, German for "Super Sport Short", as it was a short wheelbase development of theMercedes-Benz Modell S. The SSK's performance and numerous competitive successes made it one of the most highly regarded sports cars of its era.[1][2]
The SSK was the last car designed for Mercedes-Benz byFerdinand Porsche before he left to foundhis own company.[3][4] The SSK is an evolution of the 1927Modell S (S for Sport) which was based on theModell K (K for "Kurzer Radstand" which means short wheelbase) variant of theMercedes-Benz Typ 630. The SSKchassis was 19 inches (480 mm) shorter than the Modell S to make the car even lighter and more agile forracing,[5] especially short races and hillclimbs.[6]
Fitted with asupercharged singleoverhead camshaft 7-litrestraight-6engine[6][7] producing 200–300metric horsepower (150–220 kW) and over 500 lb⋅ft (680 N⋅m) oftorque (depending on thestate of tune),[7] the SSK had a top speed of up to 125 mph (200 km/h),[8] making it the fastest car of its day.[9] The supercharger on the SSK's engine was operated by a clutch that was engaged by fully depressing the throttle pedal and then giving the pedal an extra push. Backing off the throttle pedal disengaged the supercharger clutch.[6]
The SSK was driven to victory in numerous races, including in 1929 the 500 Miles of Argentina, the 1929 and 1930 Cordoba Grands Prix, the 1931 Argentine Grand Prix, and, in the hands of legendaryGrand Prix racing driverRudolf Caracciola, the 1929 Ulster Tourist Trophy race (Ards road circuit), the 1930 Irish Grand Prix, the 1931 German Grand Prix, and the 1931Mille Miglia.[10][11]
The S/SS/SSK line was one of the nominees in the penultimate round of voting for theCar of the Century award in 1999, as chosen by a panel of 132 motoring journalists and a public internet vote.[12]
Only 33 SSKs were built during its production span,[13] of which about half were sold asRennwagen (racing cars).[14] Many were crashed while racing and subsequently cannibalised for parts. Only four or five entirely original models remain, and their scarcity and rich heritage make them among the most sought after cars in the world; a 1929 model was auctioned atBonhams inChichester in September 2004 for £4.17 million (US$7.4 million), making it the secondmost expensive automobile ever sold at that time.[14][15] Another SSK, astreamlined "Count Trossi"–bodied version (see photo) owned and restored by fashion designerRalph Lauren,[16] has won best of show at both the 1993Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the 2007Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.[17][18][19]
The factory brochure promised, 'This modification has made it lighter, faster, and more flexible; the short model thus of short races, especially in the mountains...'