Mercedes-Benz SSK Count Trossi Special
The Mercedes-Benz SSK (Super Sport Kurz — Super Sport Short) is one of the most legendary automobiles ever created, a pinnacle of prewar sports car engineering that combined raw power, advanced technology, and motorsport dominance into one of the most valuable and coveted cars in existence.
Designed by Ferdinand Porsche during his tenure at Daimler-Benz, the SSK was the ultimate evolution of the SS (Super Sport) series. The 'K' designation indicated a shortened wheelbase for improved agility, and the result was a car that dominated the racing circuits of the late 1920s and early 1930s.
The heart of the SSK was its magnificent 7.1-liter SOHC inline-six engine, featuring a Roots-type supercharger that could be engaged by fully depressing the throttle. Without the supercharger, the engine produced approximately 170 hp; with the blower engaged, output soared to 300 hp — an extraordinary figure for 1928. The distinctive scream of the engaged supercharger became one of the most recognizable sounds in motorsport.
The Count Trossi Special was one of the most famous individual SSKs. Count Carlo Felice Trossi, an Italian nobleman and racing driver, commissioned a lightweight special-bodied SSK with a distinctive aerodynamic body. This car became one of the most photographed and reproduced automotive images of the prewar era, its flowing lines embodying the romance of early motorsport.
The SSK's racing record was extraordinary. Rudolf Caracciola drove an SSK to victory in the 1929 Tourist Trophy in Belfast, the 1930 Irish Grand Prix, and the 1931 German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring, among many other victories. The car was essentially unbeatable in its class.
Only 33 SSKs were produced, and far fewer survive today. Those that do are among the most valuable automobiles in the world. An SSK sold at auction in 2004 for $7.4 million, and values have risen dramatically since. The Count Trossi Special is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever designed.
The Mercedes-Benz SSK represents the absolute pinnacle of prewar sports car engineering and is considered by many automotive historians to be the greatest sports car of the vintage era.
Among the most valuable cars in the world. All surviving examples are known and extensively documented. Any sale is a major collector car event. Authentication requires Mercedes-Benz Classic archives verification. Prewar racing provenance adds enormous value. Body authenticity is critical — many SSKs were rebodied over their lives. The Count Trossi Special is in a private collection. Values at auction have exceeded $30 million for the finest examples.
33 units produced from 1928 to 1932 at Daimler-Benz, Stuttgart-Untertürkheim. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche. Supercharged 7.1L SOHC inline-six. Various body styles by coachbuilders. The SSKL (Leicht/Light) was a lightened racing variant. Count Trossi Special was a custom-bodied example.