Mercedes-Benz SSK constructor clockwork racing car (Marklin 1103)
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Mercedes-Benz SSK constructor clockwork racing car (Marklin 1103) 1995 Märklin 1103 Mercedes-Benz SSK, detail, showing the Marklin logo embossed on the car's radiator (i)
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A "constructor-type" open-top red Mercedes-Benz SSK clockwork racing car, made by Märklin, catalogue number 1103. This is a 1995 "remake" of a classic 1930s "nuts and bolts" constructor Märklin model (which had a catalogue number of 1101).
The car is bright red with white running-boards, a black chassis, and a green radiator grille and details, with chrome trim and headlights. It has a large black racing number "7" on the side against a white circle, and the number-plate "1103", which is also the model's Märklin catalogue number.
The Mercedes-Benz SSK
The Mercedes Benz Super Sports Kurz ("SSK", "Super Sports Short") was a short-wheelbase version of the Mercedes-Benz "S", and was the last Mercedes to be designed by Ferdinand Porsche. With a superchaged straight-six engine and a 120 mph top speed, it was the fastest car of its time, and is considered to have been one of the greatest racing cars ever built. Since only forty were made, and many of those were crashed (half being built as full-blown racing machines) most of the SSKs in existence are rebuilds or copies, making the SSK one of the most desirable cars in the world for collectors.
In 2004, an original SSK was auctioned for over four million pounds, making it the second most expensive car ever sold.
External links
The Märklin models
- Modern Märklin Mercedes SSK 1103 (ebay.com)
- Rare Marklin 1101 and 1103 Mercedes-Benz SSL (ebay.co.uk)
The original car
