Mercedes-Benz SSKL, Mille Miglia, 1931

Mercedes-Benz SSKL / Mille Miglia #87 (1931)

Actively engaged in all major racing events worldwide between 1927 and 1933, including Grand Prix contests, endurance races, and hill-climbing championships, the Mercedes-Benz supercharged sports cars of the types S/SS/SSK/SSKL proved to dominate the race tracks of this period in an unprecedented manner. They were affectionately dubbed “white elephants” in admiration of their overwhelming prowess.

A long list of famous pilots was closely associated with the successes of these powerful machines. Among them were Hans Stuck, Carlos Zatuszek, Manfred von Branchitsch, and Bernd Rosemeyer. But they were overshadowed by one man — Rudolf Caracciola, the Titan at the Volant.

Rudolf Caracciola participated in the 1931 Mille Miglia, driving an SSKL race car with start number 87, which was about 125 kg lighter than the SSK model. After covering 1,365 km, Caracciola was thrilled to find that he had crossed the finish line with no Italian pilots ahead of him, and that he had set a sensational new record time for this world-famous endurance race that ran on a most beautiful circuit in the world.

After conducting extensive research that was costly, CMC has managed to uncover the original condition of the winning car at that time. The information is incorporated into the making of what is now  an incredibly detailed metal model built from more than 1885 parts.

Particularly noteworthy are the improved wheels, whose stainless-steel spokes are now mounted with nipples for the first time.

• 6-cylinder-inline-engine with top positioned camshaft
• Shifting system to engage the compressor (roots blower)
• *27= rated horsepower (tax), 240 horsepower without compressor, 300 horsepower with compressor (max. output)