Mercedes-Benz SSKL

The Mercedes-Benz SSKL was a racing two-seater derived from the SSK, itself the short-chassis version of the W 06 supercharged sports car family that began in 1927. The letters stand for Supersport Kurz Leicht, and the cars were 125 kilograms lighter than the SSK. The engine was the large six-cylinder with a Roots blower that stayed engaged all the time, so the figure of 176.5 kilowatts naturally aspirated was only theoretical, while 221 kilowatts with the blower gave a top speed of 235 kilometres per hour. Only a few were made, probably by converting existing cars, and one was run by the factory. It cost 40,000 Reichsmark, about nine times the price of the 1931 four-door Mercedes-Benz 170. With a streamlined body by Reinhard von Koenig-Fachsenfeld it won the Avus race in Berlin on 22 May 1932 in the hands of Manfred von Brauchitsch.