SSK

Ferdinand Porsche designed the SSK as a shortened, lightened version of the SS (Super Sport). The 7.1-liter supercharged inline-six produced 300 PS when the Roots-type blower was engaged by pressing the throttle to the floor. Without the supercharger, the engine produced 170 PS for normal driving.

Rudolf Caracciola, Mercedes-Benz's greatest pre-war driver, won the 1931 Mille Miglia in an SSK, the first non-Italian to win Italy's most prestigious race. The victory established Mercedes-Benz's racing reputation that would continue through the Silver Arrows of the 1930s and beyond.

The SSK was enormous, powerful, and terrifying. The supercharger produced a distinctive screaming sound at full boost. The car required physical strength to drive fast and extreme skill to drive fast and survive.

Only 33 SSKs were built. They are among the most valuable cars in existence, with values exceeding EUR 5 million. The SSK directly inspired the Silver Arrow tradition that continues with modern AMG models.

Ferdinand Porsche left Mercedes-Benz in 1931 to establish his own design consultancy, which would eventually produce the Volkswagen Beetle and the first Porsche.