1929 Mercedes-Benz Type 38/250 Model SSK

In the hands of drivers like Rudolph Caracciola, the SSK was the dominant race car of its era, and came to symbolize all that was wonderful and scary about racing during the “Roaring Twenties”

by Thor Thorson

Known in period as simply, “the mighty Mercedes,” advertisements for the SSK justifiably screamed, “the fastest sports car in the world.” George Edward Milligen became this great car’s 11th owner in 1941, and had it registered in his name on June 10. He paid £400 for the privilege of ownership, a considerable sum in those dark and uncertain times, with bombs falling every night as the wartime “Blitz” gathered pace. The SSK was a product of an enemy industry, one whose technological ascendancy was threatening the very survival of the United Kingdom itself. Yet Milligen had high regard for Mercedes-Benz engineering and manufacturing standards, and he was delighted with the driving challenge and prodigious performance of his SSK. The long, empty straights and fast, open curves of his local Norfolk roads provided the ideal stage upon which he could enjoy the performance of its 7.1-liter engine. This car was originally supplied unbodied from Germany. The...