1928 Mercedes-Benz SSK (W06) 7.1 Kompressor (27/180/250)

Vehicle Overview

After the success recorded with the regular W06 in 1927, the German automaker tried to create an even sportier vehicle, and that’s how the SSK was born in 1928.

The world was hungry for more power and more performance. Thus, Mercedes-Benz tried to create a vehicle that could satisfy the day’s deep-pocket people and imagined a short-wheelbase version for the regular W06 SS. These letters came from Super Sport, and the K came from the “Kurts,” meaning “Short” in German. The car was designed by a 52-year-old engineer by the name of Ferdinand Porsche. It was the last car created by him for the three-pointed star brand.

At the front, the SSK featured a similar-looking V-shaped radiator grille placed well behind the chassis’ front ends. It was flanked by two rounded exposed fenders that were connected via a chromed bar, which in turn supported the headlights. Unlike its S sibling, the SSK featured cut-out side doors so the occupants could climb aboard. The short and flat-folding windshield protected the driver and the passenger from wind, dust, and flies. Not from elements.

The cockpit was cramped due to the shorter wheelbase than the one offered on the W06 S model. Moreover, behind the cabin, the car ended abruptly. Still, the carmaker considered adding a removable trunk that was more of an oversized suitcase rather than a luggage compartment.

Under the car’s hood, Mercedes-Benz installed a huge inline-six supercharged powerplant. It developed enough power to propel the car at speeds up to 190 kph (118 mph). But its drum brakes in all corners made stopping difficult.