The SSK experienced tremendous success in competitive racing and was a best seller.
In 1931 a pure racing version was produced in a limited run that was not offered through the ordinary sales program but was made available only for serious competitive racers.
This was designated as the SSKL for Super Sport Kurz Leicht (or Super Sport Short Light).
The fourth and final model in the S-Series was a light weight version of the high performance SSK.
Perforations which extended over the entire frame reduced the overall weight by 125 kg.
With a combination of an amazing 300 hp and an extremely light body, the SSKL achieved a top speed of 146 mph.
Of particular interest is the SSKL belonging to Von Brauchitsch, which he had clad in an aerodynamic skin of aluminium sheets.
Von Brauchitsch's 'SSKL streamliner' achieved a top speed of 156 mph and won at the Avus race in May 1932.
Broadcasters covering the event on radio referred to the aluminium bodied car as a 'silver arrow.'
The SSK experienced tremendous success in competitive racing and was a best seller. In 1931 a pure racing version was produced in a limited run that was not offered through the ordinary sales program but was made available only for serious competitive racers. This was designated as the SSKL for Super Sport Kurz Leicht (or Super Sport Short Light). The fourth and final model in the S-Series was a light weight version of the high performance SSK. Perforations which extended over the entire frame reduced the overall weight by 125 kg. With a combination of an amazing 300 hp and an extremely light body, the SSKL achieved a top speed of 146 mph. Of particular interest is the SSKL belonging to Von Brauchitsch, which he had clad in an aerodynamic skin of aluminium sheets. Von Brauchitsch's 'SSKL streamliner' achieved a top speed of 156 mph and won at the Avus race in May 1932. Broadcasters covering the event on radio referred to the aluminium bodied car as a 'silver arrow.'
Mercedes-Benz S-Series