CMC Mercedes SSK, 1930, clear limited 600 – 1/18

Description

CMC Mercedes SSK, 1930, limited 600

Of the six-cylinder supercharged sports cars in the Mercedes-Benz S-series, the SSK variants are the sportiest, most exclusive and fascinating models. Introduced just four weeks after the SS (Super-Sport) model, the SSK, whose designation stands for „Super-Sport-Kurz“ (Super-Sport-Short), underscores its extreme sportiness, among other things, by having a wheelbase shortened by 45 centimetres. This makes the car predestined for hill climbs, a very popular motorsport discipline at the time.

A hallmark of the SSK is that it is both a works race car and a customer vehicle at the same time. Some racing specifications, such as a more powerful supercharger or racing camshaft, are also available to private customers, while others are reserved for the works race cars. At this time, it was not uncommon for private owners of an SSK to participate in races on weekends and use their two-seater as a means of transport in everyday life during the week. Undoubtedly, the SSK is the ultimate supercar of its era.

The Mercedes-Benz supercharged sports cars, initially developed under Ferdinand Porsche's leadership, began in 1926 with a touring car featuring increased engine power and a shortened wheelbase, designated the Model K. The additional letter did not stand for „Kompressor“ (supercharger), but for "Kurz" (short), referring to its shortened bodywork for racing. It was followed in 1927 by the Type S (Sport) and in 1928 by the SS. In mid-1928, Mercedes-Benz engineers shortened the chassis of the Type S to a wheelbase of 2950 millimetres and fitted the chassis with the new 7.1-litre supercharged engine of the Type SS. This resulted in the Type SSK, whose unit mobilised 200 hp with the supercharger engaged.

After Rudolf Caracciola wins important hill climbs in the 1928 season, the factory decides to produce a small series of the SSK, which was initially planned only as a works race car. From October 1928, it is included in the official sales programme. By 1929, the performance is increased to 250 hp; the works team's sport touring cars achieve up to 300 hp with a larger supercharger. In total, fewer than 30 customer SSKs are produced, making it one of the most exclusive Mercedes-Benz cars of all time.

It's a fine CMC tradition to honour special role models with a clear-finish version. The omission of a paint colour highlights the technical beauty of this high-displacement sports car with its distinctive bonnet. The production of the clear-finish models requires even more manual work than that of the colour-painted variants. The body parts are finely ground, meticulously cleaned, and finally preserved with a coat of clear varnish to protect them from ageing and soiling.

Item number: M-209