1928 Mercedes-Benz SSK - Model Car

Mercedes-Benz SSK
Production: 1928-1932
Designer: Ferdinand Porsche
Top speed: 120-130 miles per hour
Model car producer: CMC

I was looking for an object to complement my Art Nouveau and mid-century ceramic-filled decor and thought an early 20th Century car might do the trick. I binge-learned about diecast and resin-based model cars and became enthralled with the craftsmanship and beauty of the higher-end replicas. Also, learning the history of the vehicles, such as the notable people that owned them or their victories and failures at the race track, is a bonus to the entire experience. CMC produced this replica (the color photos) of the SSK. It is 1:18 scale, which is approximately 10" long. It is comprised of 1,700+ parts and was hand assembled. The doors open, the spare tires can be removed, and the hood opens to reveal a detailed engine. Even the driver side mirror, which is an actual tiny mirror, can be adjusted. It is a limited edition, with CMC producing only 800 cars.

Mercedes built fewer than 40 SSKs during its production span, of which about half were sold as Rennwagen (racing cars). Many were crashed while racing and subsequently cannibalised for parts. Only four or five entirely original models remain, and their scarcity and rich heritage make them among the most sought after cars in the world; a 1929 model was auctioned at Bonhams in Chichester in September 2004 for £4.17 million (US$7.4 million), making it the second most expensive automobile ever sold at that time.

The SSK was driven to victory in numerous races, including in 1929 the 500 Miles of Argentina, the 1929 and 1930 Cordoba Grands Prix, the 1931 Argentine Grand Prix, and, in the hands of legendary Grand Prix racing driver Rudolf Caracciola, the 1929 Ulster Tourist Trophy race (Ards road circuit), the 1930 Irish Grand Prix, the 1931 German Grand Prix, and the 1931 Mille Miglia.

This is a contemporary video of a guy driving a real one and no doubt having the time of his life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajVSXpt1Vck

This is an interesting video of CMC's story and production process: https://www.cmc-modelcars.de/en/news-category/cmc-modelcars-image-film-de/