Cars
The mystery of the Mercedes Benz SSK “Count Trossi”
The story of the extraordinary Mercedes Benz SSK “Count Trossi” is as special as it is mysterious. Among the forty-two SSKs (short for Super Sport Kurz or Short) built, chassis 36038 is the surely the world's rarest and most distinctive example.
The story of the extraordinary Mercedes Benz SSK “Count Trossi” is as special as it is mysterious. Among the forty-two SSKs (short for Super Sport Kurz or Short) built, chassis 36038 is the surely the world's rarest and most distinctive example.
It was shipped to Japan as a bare chassis in February 1930 but returned to the factory as they were unable to sell it. It was then delivered to the Mercedes-Benz dealer in Milan, Carlo Saporiti. According to research carried out by the American Restorer Paul Russell and his team, who restored this car and reconstructed its entire history, the car was first sold to Sr. Antonio Maino with a two-seater spyder body built for the chassis by Carrozzeria Touring in Milan. From December 1930 to 1933, chassis 36038 raced at several events, including the Mille Miglia. It was finally bought by Count Felice Trossi in June 1933, who decided to build his own special body for this car.
Carlo Felice Trossi, an Italian nobleman who raced as a gentleman driver in the 1930s demonstrating great talent, was rich and passionate but decidedly unlucky. At just 41 years old, shortly after winning the Italian and Swiss Grand Prix for Alfa Romeo, he died of cancer leaving memories and regrets.
