MERCEDES BENZ Typ SSKL (WS06 RS) 1931-1932 Photos, engines & full specs

The 1931 Mercedes-Benz SSKL was the car that broke records, wrote history, and sent its competitors back to the drawing board.

Its story began before the merger of the two companies that formed Mercedes-Benz to be completed. Back in the '20s, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) started to work on a supercharged racing car. The technical director who worked on the project was Paul Daimler, son of Gottlieb Daimler, the founder of the company. He already had enough experience with supercharged engines developed for aircraft and submarines.

The SSKL was based on the same chassis as the rest of the W06 range, although it was lighter and featured a shorter wheelbase. Mercedes-Benz tried to get a better name at the Mille Miglia racing event. A win there would have meant a huge marketing boost for the carmaker. So, MB's engineers made a lighter version for the already known and appreciated SSK. The result was a 1,350 kg (2,976 lbs) roadster. Its front suspension, consisting of leaf springs, was supported by arched steel beams extended in front of the chassis. The carmaker supported the arched wheel fenders and the triple-headlamp system. On the sides, the bodywork was flush and featured just two seats. Underneath the bodywork, the chassis sported big holes in it to lighten the vehicle. It was a daring move, but it paid off.

On 12/13 April 1931, Rudolf Caracciola wrote history with the SSKL when he won the Mille Miglia race in Italy. They averaged 101.1 kph (62.82 mph) in the race. That was possible thanks to the 7.7-liter supercharged powerplant that delivered 300 hp.