1930 Mercedes SSK by Count Carlo Felice Trossi

Scale 1:16, 11 1/2 inches long, weighs approximately 5 pounds

Unusual, unique, exquisite, all and more describe this fabulous master miniature. The Black Prince is an object of art, a masterpiece so skillfully executed that it will be admired in the years to come, like a rare painting or a sculpture, or any other extraordinary object which one collects.

To give it perspective and underline the uniqueness of this miniature a brief history of the real car is in order. In the late Twenties Daimler-Benz entered the racing scene with new designs engineered by the dynamic Ferdinand Porsche. Under his leadership the successful ace cars with compressors (K) were designed and built; first the SSK’s and later the SSK’s which together won countless races including the famous Milie Miglia. It was one of the SSK models which came into the possession of Count Trossi, well-known Italian aristocrat and ace car enthusiast. Under his guidance the car was rebodied and the famous Black Prince was created. This one-of-a-kind automobile 5 now in possession of Mr. Perkins of San Francisco and served as the basis of the model.

The idea for a unique presentation to commemorate the 100 years of the automobile came from a group of German automobile enthusiasts. Carlo Brianza, one of Europe’s best model makers, was selected to build it, and the above masterpiece is the result of a two year effort. The model is cast and assembled from over 130 metal parts, and, in addition, each wheel is fabricated of 60 wire spokes pith metal rims and original tire treads. The seats and the interior are of leather and all gauges are readable. Both sides of the long hood pen to reveal the replica of the supercharged engine. A complete 1930 car manual (in German), M-B key chain and a beautiful showcase accompany every model.