Mercedes-Benz SSK Child's Car

Footnotes

'The S model, the masterpiece of Professor Ferdinand Porsche during his time at Daimler-Benz, and its derivatives are among the cars of the century which still fascinate us to this day. One reason for this is their sheer size, the result solely of the massive size of the engine with its 6,800cc capacity, which was increased to 7,065cc from the SS onwards.' - Mercedes, Rainer W Schlegelmilch & Hartmut Lehbrink.

The S made its winning debut at the Nürburgring's opening race in June 1927 with legendary works driver Rudolf Caracciola at the wheel. The model represented a major advance on the 630K, featuring a new lower chassis and a more powerful engine capable of producing 180bhp with supercharger engaged. The following SS model's larger engine raised that figure to 225bhp, while the short-wheelbase SSK enjoyed 250bhp.

Built in 2018 using engineering drawings, this two-seater SSK child's car is 3.3m long and 1.15m wide. It is powered by a front-mounted 9bhp air-cooled engine, which drives via a semi-automatic three-speeds-plus-reverse transmission complete with differential. Other noteworthy features include triple disc brakes (two front, one rear); electric starter; handbrake; rack and pinion steering; adjustable pedals; two spare wheels; working rev meter; front and rear lights; spare fuel can (show); removable wood-rim steering wheel; and tool bag with tools. Also noteworthy is the exhaust which is working and thus not a purely show feature. This unique artefact can fit 2 children and is capable of speeds up to 50-55km/h. When not in use this delightful SSK child's car has the potential to be an attractive artefact worthy of display in any collector's garage, company, hotel lobby or living room.