1928 Mercedes-Benz SSK

Before the merger between Daimler and Benz, a process that began in 1925 and was formally consummated on June 26, 1926, the respective companies had amassed an impressive racing pedigree. Mercedes won the French Grand Prix in 1914 and won the Indianapolis 500 in 1915. With Roots-Type Superchargers and the talents of Austrian designer Ferdinand Porsche, Mercedes won the 1924 Targa Florio. For Benz, their 'Blitzen Benz' with its 21.5-liter engine achieved a world land speed record that would remain for nearly a decade. The Benz 120 HP was developed to compete in the French Grand Prix, and the 105 HP Benz (known as the Prince Heinrich Benz) competed in the 2,200 km touring car race devised by Prince Heinrich of Prussia, along with the Vanderbilt Cup and the Indy 500.

The merger between these two companies was necessitated due to the post-World War I depression, and although they both had racing pedigree, the merger brought a temporary end to competition. Instead, the company's performance endeavors were assigned to Mercedes, which spawned some of the finest and high-performance models of its era, fueled by the prosperity when the post-war recession faded. The engineering talents of Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, Hans Nibel, and Fritz Nallinger crafted a worthy successor to the 6,246-cubic centimeter Model K, and one that would help establish the credentials of Mercedes-Benz as a manufacturer of high-performance luxury automobiles. In competition, Rudolph Caracciola demonstrated the so-called 'White Elephant's' abilities by winning the 1927 Nurburgring race.

The 680 Type S (Sport)
The new 680 S was given a lowered chassis which allowed the engine to rest low and farther back within the engine bay. Owing little more than its single overhead camshaft and six-cylinders to the Model K, the all-new Type S engine (W06) had a displacement size of 6,789 cubic centimeters and featured dual carburetors, a modestly increased compression ratio, larger valves, and a larger supercharger that offered 7-psi boost when engaged. Rated 26/120/180 horsepower, the numbers denoting the engine's taxable, naturally aspirated, and supercharged horsepower ratings.

The 700 SS and 710 SS (Super Sport)
An engine enlargement to 7.0 liters birthed the 700 SS, soon increasing again to 7.1 liters (the 710 SS). Using a wet cylinder liner enabled the M06 to be further bored out, and along with a larger displacement, horsepower increased by 40. With 200 horsepower when the supercharger was engaged, the Model SS had a top speed of 190 km/h (nearly 120 mph).

The Mercedes-Benz SSK
In a straight line, the S and the SS were paragons; the Achilles heel was its cornering ability (or lack thereof). By shortening the wheelbase to 2,950 millimeters (116 inches), Mercedes birthed the SSK (Super Sport Kurz - German for 'Short') and resolved its handling issues. The SSK received the engine from the SS and the lower radiator of the S.

Among the racing accomplishments of the SSK were victories at the 500 Miles of Argentina in 1929, the 1929 and 1930 Cordoba Grands Prix, and the 1931 Argentine Grand Prix. Rudolf Caracciola drove the SSK to victory in the 1929 Ulster Tourist Trophy race, the 1930 Irish Grand Prix, the 1931 German Grand Prix, and the 1931 Mille Miglia.

Production
Approximately 124 examples of the Type S, 114 of the Type SS, and fewer than 40 of the SSK were built. A very limited number of SSKL models were built and intended solely for competition. The SSKL Super Sport Kurz Leicht (or Super Sport Short Light) produced approximately 300 horsepower and used a perforated frame and a lightweight body to reduce its overall weight. The top speed was achieved at nearly 150 mph (235 km/h). Von Brauchitsch's 'SSKL streamliner' achieved a top speed of 156 mph (251 km/h) and won at the Avus race in May 1932. Its aluminum body would earn it the nickname, the silver arrow.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2023