The Mercedes-Benz ‘S’ class cars of the 1930s, masterfully designed with Porsche’s touch, represented the pinnacle of pre-war automotive engineering. Known also as the ‘W-06’ series, these vehicles were celebrated for their performance, largely thanks to a supercharged, in-line six-cylinder engine. This sophisticated powerplant boasted an overhead camshaft, dual updraft carburetors, and a dual ignition system, making it a powerhouse of its time. Between 1927 and 1934, approximately 372 of these Sport models were manufactured, with a select 42 being the coveted SSK variant. The SSK, short for Super Sport Kurz (German for Short), lived up to its name with a shortened chassis and two-seater configuration. Fitted with the factory body from Sindelfingen, these machines were capable of reaching exhilarating speeds of up to 115 MPH.
Originally conceived as a dual-purpose vehicle equally adept on public roads and race tracks, the 1930 Mercedes Benz SSK quickly proved its mettle in competitive motorsports. It achieved remarkable success at prestigious events such as Le Mans, Monaco, and the grueling Mille Miglia, cementing its place in racing history. The specific 1930 chassis detailed here, however, entered a different chapter as the factory racing program concluded around its completion date. This fortunate timing meant that certain high-performance components, initially intended for racing, became available for installation on some of the final road-going cars.
Engine number 77644, built with high compression pistons and the legendary ‘elephant blower’ supercharger, is a prime example of this. Factory records indicate that chassis 36038 was initially dispatched as a bare chassis to Tokyo in February 1930. However, finding no buyer in Japan, it was returned to the factory and subsequently delivered to Carlo Saporiti, the Mercedes-Benz sales agent in Milan, in October of the same year.
Upon commencing the restoration of this exceptional 1930 Mercedes Benz in 1993, initial information suggested that Mr. Saporiti directly sold the SSK to Count Carlo Felice Trossi. However, further research conducted by Historica Selecta in 2009 revealed a more intricate history. The chassis was first sold to Mr. Antonio Maino, who commissioned Carrozzeria Touring to craft a bespoke spyder two-seater body for it. Between December 1930 and 1933, chassis 36038 participated in various races, from the demanding Mille Miglia to challenging hillclimbs. Newly discovered documents from the ACI PRA (Automobile Club d’Italia del Pubblico Registro Automobilistico) further illustrate a series of ownership changes during this period.
It was in June 1933 that Count Trossi acquired the vehicle and decided to personalize it further with a custom-built body reflecting his own vision. Research within the Trossi family archives during the restoration process uncovered two captivating renderings: one from an unidentified independent coachbuilder and Count Trossi’s own sketches of an open roadster design, which ultimately became known as the ‘Count Trossi’ SSK.
The authentic restoration of this magnificent 1930 Mercedes Benz SSK would not have been possible without the generous cooperation of previous owners and fellow collectors. A notable example is the dashboard layout, which deviates from the standard SSK design. Crucially, historical documents preserved by Count Trossi’s daughter and grandchildren provided photographic evidence of the dashboard layout as it was in front of their family home. Early photographs, kindly provided by Miss Mary Schaub, daughter of an owner from 1954 to 1963, also proved invaluable. These sources helped confirm details such as the hand-painted reference marks on the tachometer, which were present as early as the 1950s.
The meticulous pursuit of information is a critical yet often understated aspect of any restoration endeavor. During engine disassembly, factory work order numbers (RB 1420-14) were found on numerous parts. However, the number on the oil pan did not match. Aided by renowned German collector Fritz Grashei, an extensive 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 awards at the 1993 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the 1995 Meadow Brook Hall Concours d’Elegance. Further honoring its significance, the Count Trossi SSK has been featured in prominent 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 (2011).
