The Mercedes-Benz SSK from 1930 represents the zenith of pre-war automotive engineering and design. Born from the famed ‘S’ or ‘W-06’ class cars, this model was a testament to performance and luxury, embodying the innovative spirit of the era. Designed with Porsche’s engineering prowess, these vehicles were equipped with a supercharged, in-line six-cylinder engine, featuring an overhead camshaft, dual updraft carburetors, and dual ignition. Between 1927 and 1934, approximately 372 of these Sport models were manufactured, with a mere forty-two being the coveted SSK variant – short for Super Sport Kurz (or Short). These short-chassis, two-seater marvels could achieve speeds up to 115 MPH when fitted with the Sindelfingen factory body. Conceived as a dual-purpose vehicle, equally adept on public roads and racetracks, the 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK quickly proved its mettle in prestigious motorsport events like Le Mans, Monaco, and the Mille Miglia.
Alt text: Detailed view of the powerful supercharged engine of a 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK, showcasing its engineering and design.
The chassis we are focusing on, completed in 1930, emerged just as the factory racing program concluded. This timing made certain high-performance components available for integration into the final road-going models. Engine number 77644, for instance, was constructed with high compression pistons and the legendary ‘elephant blower’ supercharger, enhancing its performance capabilities significantly. Factory records indicate that chassis 36038 was initially dispatched to Tokyo in February 1930 as a bare chassis. However, it returned to the factory unsold, eventually finding its way to Carlo Saporiti, the Mercedes-Benz sales agent in Milan, in October of the same year.
Alt text: Image of a 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK chassis during restoration, highlighting the frame and structural components of this classic vehicle.
Initially, upon completing the restoration in 1993, it was believed that Mr. Saporiti directly sold the SSK to Count Carlo Felice Trossi. However, subsequent research in 2009 by Historica Selecta uncovered that the chassis was first acquired by Mr. Antonio Maino. Maino commissioned Carrozzeria Touring to create a custom spyder two-seater body for the chassis. Between December 1930 and 1933, chassis 36038 participated in numerous races, from the grueling Mille Miglia to challenging hillclimbs. Newly discovered ACI PRA (Automobile Club d’Italia del Pubblico Registro Automobilistico) documents reveal a series of ownership changes during this period. Count Trossi finally acquired the vehicle in June 1933 and commissioned a unique body to be built for it, reflecting his personal taste and vision. During the restoration research, the Trossi family archives yielded valuable insights, including renderings from an unknown coachbuilder and Count Trossi’s own sketches of an open roadster design – the ‘Count Trossi’ SSK, envisioned without a top.
Alt text: The restored 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK Count Trossi model, showcasing its elegant body and classic design after meticulous restoration.
The authentic restoration of this magnificent 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK was only made possible through the generous collaboration and enthusiasm of previous owners and collectors. A notable example is the dashboard layout, distinct from other SSK models. Historical documents preserved by Count Trossi’s daughter and grandchildren provided crucial photographic evidence of the dashboard’s arrangement as seen in front of their family residence. Early photographs from Miss Mary Schaub, daughter of a subsequent owner from 1954 to 1963, also proved invaluable. These sources, among others, helped confirm the originality of hand-painted reference marks on the tachometer, dating back to at least the 1950s.
Alt text: Close-up of the unique dashboard of the 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK, highlighting the detailed instrumentation and hand-painted tachometer markings discovered during restoration.
The restoration process involved extensive detective work, a critical yet often underappreciated aspect of such projects. Upon engine disassembly, many components were found to be marked with the factory internal work order number RB 1420-14. However, the oil pan number did not match. With the assistance of renowned German collector Fritz Grashei, a comprehensive search across private collections led to the discovery of the original oil pan. An exchange was negotiated to reunite the correct oil pans with both this SSK and another engine in Germany.
This challenging restoration of the 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK was a collaborative achievement with the current owner, driven by a shared vision for this remarkable road-going sports car. This joint effort was celebrated with prestigious accolades, including Best of Show at the 1993 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the 1995 Meadow Brook Hall Concours d’Elegance. The Count Trossi SSK’s significance has been further recognized through its inclusion in esteemed exhibitions such as ‘Moving Beauty’ at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in 1995, ‘Speed, Style & Beauty’ at the Boston Museum of Arts in 2005, and ‘Art of the Automobile’ at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in 2011, solidifying its place as an automotive masterpiece.
