The 1930s, a decade synonymous with elegance and groundbreaking automotive engineering, witnessed the birth of some of the most iconic vehicles in history. Among these, the Mercedes-Benz SSK stands out as a paragon of pre-war automotive excellence. This article delves into the captivating story of the SSK, a true 1930s Benz that epitomizes the era’s blend of luxury, performance, and racing pedigree.
The Mercedes-Benz ‘S’ or ‘W-06’ class cars, designed with Porsche’s ingenuity, were powerhouses of their time. 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 meticulously crafted. Of these, a select 42 were designated as SSKs – an abbreviation for Super Sport Kurz (or Short). These short-chassis, two-seater marvels, when fitted with the Sindelfingen factory body, could achieve breathtaking speeds of up to 115 MPH. Conceived as the ultimate dual-purpose machine, equally adept on both public roads and racing circuits, the SSK demonstrated remarkable success at prestigious events such as Le Mans, Monaco, and the legendary Mille Miglia.
However, by 1930, the factory’s official racing program had concluded. This shift in focus resulted in a surplus of high-performance components becoming available for integration into the final road-going models. Engine number 77644, for instance, was assembled with high compression pistons and the legendary ‘elephant blower,’ or supercharger, enhancing its power and performance. Factory records indicate that chassis 36038 was initially dispatched to Tokyo as a bare chassis in February 1930. After failing to find a buyer in Japan, it was returned to the factory and subsequently delivered in October to Carlo Saporiti, the Mercedes-Benz sales agent in Milan.
Initially, upon completing the restoration in 1993, it was understood that Sr. Saporiti had directly sold the SSK to Count Carlo Felice Trossi. However, subsequent research conducted by Historica Selecta in 2009 brought new details to light. It was revealed that the chassis was first acquired by Sr. Antonio Maino, who commissioned Carrozzeria Touring to construct a custom spyder two-seater body for it. Between December 1930 and 1933, chassis 36038 actively participated in various racing competitions, ranging from the grueling Mille Miglia to challenging hillclimbs. Newly discovered documents from the ACI PRA (Automobile Club d’Italia del Pubblico Registro Automobilistico) reveal multiple ownership changes during this period. Count Trossi eventually acquired the vehicle in June 1933, and proceeded to have a body tailored to his personal preferences built for it.
During the extensive research phase of the restoration, the Trossi family archives yielded invaluable insights, including two design renderings. One was from an unidentified independent coachbuilder, while the other consisted of Count Trossi’s own sketches for an open roadster, devoid of a top – the envisioned ‘Count Trossi’ SSK.
The remarkable authenticity of the restored car is a testament to the collaborative spirit and generosity of previous owners and fellow collectors. A prime example is the dashboard layout, uniquely configured and unlike any other SSK variant. Crucially, historical documents preserved by Count Trossi’s daughter and grandchildren offered a visual record of the dashboard’s arrangement in a photograph taken at their family residence. Early photographs, generously provided by Miss Mary Schaub, daughter of the car’s owner from 1954 to 1963, further enriched the historical record. These sources, among others, confirmed the presence of hand-painted reference marks on the tachometer dating back to at least the 1950s.
One of the less visible yet critically important aspects of any restoration endeavor is the relentless pursuit of information. Upon disassembling the engine, restorers noted factory markings – part numbers RB 1420-14 (an internal work order number) – on numerous components. However, the number stamped on the oil pan did not match. With the assistance of Fritz Grashei, a respected German collector, a comprehensive search across numerous private collections was initiated, ultimately leading to the discovery of the original oil pan. Through careful negotiation, an exchange was arranged, ensuring that both this SSK and an engine in Germany were reunited with their correct oil pans.
This challenging restoration project was brought to fruition through a close partnership with the current owner and his vision for this iconic road-going sports car. This collaborative 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 (1995), ‘Speed, Style & Beauty’ at the Boston Museum of Arts (2005), and ‘Art of the Automobile’ at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in 2011. This 1930s benz truly represents a golden era of automotive design and engineering, meticulously preserved for future generations.
