100 Cars That Changed History

“1928 MB SSK IMG 3228 – Flickr – nemor2” by nemor2 from Stuttgart, Germany – 1928 MB SSK_IMG_3228. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

68. Mercedes-Benz SSK 1927–1932 Germany

Though Merecdes-Benz, based in Germany, has made many beautiful cars, none were quite so significant to the automotive world as the SSK, or Super Sport Kurz, which in German meant Super Sport Short. The SSK was a roadster produced by Mercedes-Benz starting in the late 1920’s. It was the last Benz designed by engineer Ferdinand Porsche before he left to found the Porsche Company. The SSK’s supercharged straight 6 kicked out 200-300mhps. The power and performance were outmatched at the time. It’s high performance and competitive success made it one of the most highly regarded cars of the era. The SSK was a nominee for the Car of the Century award, making it the penultimate round.