1931 Mille Miglia Winner
Mercedes SSKL -
"The White Elephant"
This car is a brand new, CMC Model M-055. This is a beautifully replicated 1931 Mercedes SSKL as driven to victory at the Mille Miglia by Rudolf Carraciola. You will marvel at the level of detail and accuracy that goes into these stunning replicas. No detail has been left out, from the fully wired and plumbed engine, fully detailed interior, authentic hand laced wire wheels, high luster paint and real rubber tires. This will be the center piece of your Mercedes collection. This replication is based on laborious and extensive research. Not only does this miniature capture the original looks of the 1931 Mille Miglia victor faithfully, but it goes to great lengths to present details that are exact and only authentic-looking. CMC especially takes pride in the craftsmanship of its new spoked wheels, which features a new level of sophistication and represents an improvement on what was already innovative craftsmanship. In the SSKL model, each stainless-steel spoke is connected to the wheel rim via a nipple-stem rather than directly! Another milestone in CMC's drive to perfection in the designing and manufacturing of 1:18 scale autos. The SSKL model is hand-assembled from 1,885 individual parts, the most piece count per model to date. Let it take you back to the time when the screaming compressor engine was breaking new ground for racing cars. Note also the side mounted toolbox that was replicated to exacting standards and contains actual small tools that were carried.
By 1931 Alfa Romeo and Bugatti had become serious opponents for Mercedes-Benz on the race track. Professor Ferdinand Porsche, head of Mercedes-Benz’s racing car development, responded by reducing the weight of the SSK, known as “White Elephant“ because of its mighty appearance, overwhelming power and white painting. Over 125 kg were shed after holes were drilled in the frame and every other possible place that was not safety-relevant. As a result, the SSK transformed into the SSKL (Super Sport Kurz Leicht = Super Sport Short Light). With this new racing car, Afred Neubauer (head of the racing department) and his very small crew, undertook their greatest racing adventure ever at the Mille Miglia in 1931.
CMC celebrated the 75th anniversary of this terrific victory in 2006 with a perfect replica of the unforgetable champion car. After extensive and time-consuming research, CMC was able to uncover many details that are important in presenting the original look of the 1931 Mille Miglia victor. All these details are incorporated into the precision model that CMC is offering to you. This all-metal model is composed of 1,885 parts.
Technical data of the original vehicle:
• Six cylinder in-line-engine with overhead camshaft
• Compressor that can be activated when required
• Displacement: 7,059 ccm • Maximum output: 240hp (without compressor)300 hp (with activated compressor) at 3,300 rpm
• Topspeed: 235 km/h • Wheel base: 2,950 mm • Total length: 4,250 mm • Track width: 1,470 mm (front), 1,460 mm (rear)
Only about 5 original SSKL vehicles were ever built. CMC's true-to-the-original miniature is the closest thing to its big brother that one can get. Let it take you back to the old days of the screaming compressor engine. Replica details include:
True-to-the-original cockpit with all instruments and an exact-detailed dashboard; Movable wind shields; Steering wheel and seats covered with genuine leather; Movable hand levers for acceleraton- and ignition adjustment
Radiator grill and wire mesh guard made of high-quality metal; Lateral flexible metal tube exhaust pipes; Double-wing engine hoods that fold in opening and are fastened by leather-belts. Spring-hooks to hold the engine hood in closing
Starting number printed by the tampon method; Movable tank cap of stainless steel; Leather folded top (not expandable); Two spare wheels fastened by a toggle scew; Six cylinder in-line-engine with the compressor and all aggregates, cabeling and pipes; Masterly manufactured; engine hood of metal on filigree hinges. Accurate display of the open work ventilation slots; Special board for jerry can and wooden hinged toolbox (containing miniature tools).
And finally ,stainless-steel spokes mounted on the aluminium rim by hand and with a nipple-stem at each base for the very first time. One more reason for not missing this anniversary model!!
