The Mercedes-Benz SSKL (Revell Shoplink) is a milestone in automotive history and a symbol of technical brilliance and driving mastery. Its triumph at the 1931 Mille Miglia under the leadership of Rudolf Caracciola made it immortal. This race was not only a tremendous sporting achievement but also marked the first victory of a non-Italian driver in the famous long-distance rally.
Mercedes-Benz SSKL 1931 Mille Miglia Kit – 1:32
The Mille Miglia – A Legendary Race
The Mille Miglia was one of the toughest and most prestigious road races in Europe. The 1,635-kilometer course ran from Brescia to Rome and back – an extreme endurance test for both driver and vehicle. The race attracted the best teams and drivers, competing with their high-performance machines for fame and glory. In 1931, the Mercedes-Benz SSKL was considered an underdog against top Italian drivers and their home-turf-optimized cars.
Rudolf Caracciola – The Master Behind the Wheel
Rudolf Caracciola was one of the most outstanding racing drivers of his time. The German, known for his exceptional vehicle control and tactical intelligence, dominated the motorsport world of the 1930s. Caracciola won the European Championship three times (1935, 1937, 1938) and was a three-time European Hill Climb Champion (1930–1932). His victory at the 1931 Mille Miglia was groundbreaking, as he became the first non-Italian driver to win the race.
Technical Masterpiece: The Mercedes-Benz SSKL
The Mercedes-Benz SSKL (Super-Sport-Kurz-Leicht) was an evolution of the successful SSK model. To make the vehicle competitive for the Mille Miglia, engineers under the leadership of Dr. Hans Nibel implemented numerous optimizations:
- Powerful Engine: The 7.1-liter inline-six engine produced 300 hp with an activated Roots supercharger and a maximum torque of nearly 700 Nm.
- Reduced Weight: Thanks to numerous lightening holes and a thinner-walled frame construction, the curb weight dropped to 1,352 kilograms – saving 125 kilograms compared to the SSK and increasing top speed by 20 km/h. This performance boost would normally require an additional 80-100 hp.
- Increased Speed: Thanks to aerodynamic improvements and reduced weight, the SSKL reached a top speed of 235 km/h.
- Silver Arrow Paintwork: The SSKL was one of the first cars painted silver instead of the usual white starting in 1932, leading to the legendary “Silver Arrow” era.
The Triumph at the 1931 Mille Miglia
Despite logistical disadvantages – Caracciola’s team had only four supply depots, while Italian teams had a dense network of spare parts stations – the German drove a brilliant race.
With a total time of 16 hours, 10 minutes, and 10 seconds, Caracciola completed the course at an average speed of 101.6 km/h. He became the first driver in Mille Miglia history to break the 100 km/h barrier. His victory was a sensation and proved that German engineering and outstanding driving skills could compete with the best Italian racing teams.
Long-Term Significance of the Victory
Caracciola’s success at the 1931 Mille Miglia made him a legend and strengthened Mercedes-Benz’s reputation as a leading manufacturer of high-performance racing cars. The SSKL served as a technological foundation for later developments and significantly influenced the design of the famous Silver Arrows in the following years.
Rudolf Caracciola continued his career and dominated international motorsports throughout the 1930s. His career was marked by impressive successes:
- Three-time European Champion (1935, 1937, 1938)
- Three-time European Hill Climb Champion (1930-1932)
- First non-Italian driver to win the Mille Miglia
His career ended tragically: At the age of 51, he attempted a comeback at the Mille Miglia in 1952 and achieved an impressive fourth place, but shortly afterward suffered a serious accident at the Swiss Grand Prix in Bern, ending his active racing career.
His name remains inextricably linked with the history of Mercedes-Benz and motorsport.
The Mercedes-Benz SSKL and Rudolf Caracciola made history in 1931. Their victory at the Mille Miglia was not just a sporting triumph but also a milestone in racing car development. The combination of technical innovation and exceptional driving skill made this success possible. Even today, the SSKL is considered one of the most fascinating vehicles of the pre-war racing era – a symbol of speed, precision, and an unrelenting will to win.
Highlights of the 1:32 Scale Model Kit
From 79 individual parts, experienced model builders at Level 4 can create a detailed historical model with a length of 13.7 cm and many beautiful details:
- Multi-part body with delicate surface structure for highest authenticity
- Authentic spoke wheels with impressive detailing
- Historically accurate decals for a perfect look
- Scale replica of the legendary 7.1-liter engine
Inspirational Build Videos
Watch one of the very few videos of the 1931 SSKL here:
See some impressions from last year’s Mille Miglia with all its beautiful cars here: