The Mercedes-Benz ‘S’ class cars of the 1930s, often referred to as the ‘W-06’ series, represent a pinnacle of pre-war automotive engineering and design. Conceived under the influence of Ferdinand Porsche, these vehicles were built for both luxury and thrilling performance. At the heart of these magnificent machines was a supercharged, in-line six-cylinder engine, featuring an overhead camshaft, twin updraft carburetors, and dual ignition. Between 1927 and 1934, approximately 372 of these Sport models were crafted, with a select 42 being the coveted SSK variant. The SSK, short for Super Sport Kurz (or Short), was a short-chassis, two-seater marvel capable of reaching exhilarating speeds of 115 MPH when fitted with the Sindelfingen factory body. This model holds the distinction of being among the first vehicles engineered for both road and racetrack, achieving remarkable success at prestigious motorsport events like Le Mans, Monaco, and the Mille Miglia.
By 1930, when the chassis of the car in focus was completed, the factory racing program had concluded. This fortunate timing meant that certain high-performance components, originally intended for racing, became available for installation on the final road-going models. Engine number 77644, in particular, was assembled with high-compression pistons and the legendary ‘elephant blower,’ or supercharger, significantly enhancing its power. Factory records indicate that chassis 36038 was dispatched as a bare chassis to Tokyo in February 1930. However, finding no buyer in Japan, it was returned to the Mercedes-Benz factory. Later, in October 1930, it was delivered to Carlo Saporiti, the Mercedes-Benz sales agent in Milan, marking the beginning of a fascinating journey for this exceptional automobile.
Initial information from the time of a 1993 restoration suggested that Mr. Saporiti directly sold the SSK to Count Carlo Felice Trossi. However, subsequent research conducted by Historica Selecta in 2009 revealed a more complex early history. Chassis 36038 was initially sold to Mr. Antonio Maino, who commissioned Carrozzeria Touring to create a custom spyder two-seater body for it. From December 1930 to 1933, this 1930s Mercedes was actively raced in various events, ranging from the grueling Mille Miglia to challenging hillclimbs. Newly discovered documents from the Automobile Club d’Italia del Pubblico Registro Automobilistico (ACI PRA) further illustrate a series of ownership changes during this period. Count Trossi finally acquired the car in June 1933, embarking on a new chapter for this already storied vehicle.
Upon purchasing the SSK, Count Trossi decided to personalize it further, commissioning a unique body to be built. Research conducted within the Trossi family archives during the restoration process uncovered two intriguing renderings. One was from an unidentified independent coachbuilder, while the other was a personal sketch by Count Trossi himself, depicting an open roadster design without a top – the genesis of the iconic ‘Count Trossi’ SSK. The restoration to the magnificent condition seen today was a deeply collaborative effort, relying on the generous contributions of previous owners and fellow collectors. For instance, the dashboard layout of this particular SSK deviates from standard SSK configurations. Crucially, historical documents preserved by Count Trossi’s daughter and grandchildren provided photographic evidence of the dashboard layout as seen in front of their family residence. Early photographs, kindly provided by Miss Mary Schaub, daughter of an owner from 1954 to 1963, were also invaluable. These sources confirmed the originality of details such as hand-painted reference marks on the tachometer, proving their existence since at least the 1950s.
The meticulous restoration process involved extensive detective work and information gathering, often an unacknowledged yet critical aspect of such projects. During engine disassembly, restorers noted factory-applied internal work order numbers (RB 1420-14) on numerous parts. However, the number stamped on the oil pan did not match. An extensive search, aided by renowned German collector Fritz Grashei, spanned numerous private collections, eventually locating the original oil pan. A successful exchange was negotiated, reuniting the correct oil pans with both this SSK and another engine in Germany, demonstrating the dedication to authenticity. This challenging restoration was a joint undertaking with the current owner, driven by a shared vision to revive this exceptional road-going sports car. This collaborative effort culminated in prestigious accolades, including Best of Show awards at the 1993 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the 1995 Meadow Brook Hall Concours d’Elegance. The Count Trossi SSK has since been further celebrated through 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, solidifying its place as a true automotive masterpiece of the 1930s Mercedes era.
