HIGHLIGHTS
- Striking evocation of the legendary supercharged Mercedes-Benz
- Imported from the USA in 2010
- Ford Mustang running gear
- Less than 6,500 miles from new
THE APPEAL
As the company credited with inventing the motor car, Mercedes-Benz can take a fair amount of credit for its efforts over the years, as well as being a name that has adorned some of the most cherished and collectable classic cars of all-time.
Among them is the SSK – the Super Sports Kurtz, or “short”, which is regarded by many as the world’s first super car, powered by a supercharged 7.0-litre straight six and utterly beautiful by coincidence as much as by design.
Of course, that means that a genuine SSK – of which fewer than 40 were built – is an eye-wateringly expensive car. But there is an alternative.
This is a 1988 Classic Roadsters Baron – an evocation of the SSK built by a company in Fargo, North Dakota, using a Mercedes-derived chassis and Ford Mustang running gear. It’s a rare enough car in itself especially in the UK.
This one was registered in 1988 in the USA and had just one previous owner before being imported to the UK by the vendor in 2010. It is in as-built condition – truly lovely overall order having covered less than 6,300 miles from new.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- UK V5C
- Registered with DVLA as a Mercedes-Benz
- Imported from North Dakota in 2010
- Owned by just one owner in the UK since and mostly kept in storage during that time
- Some old MOT certificates
- Invoice for new tyres, supplied but not yet fitted
THE INTERIOR
- Smart dark tan leather
- Thick-pile red carpets
- Wooden door cappings
- Wood-rimmed three-spoke sports steering wheel
- Wood-effect gear knob and handbrake shroud
- JVC radio-cassette
- Fully lined hood
- Well-preserved and smartly presented interior
THE EXTERIOR
- Two-tone maroon and black
- Chrome wire wheels with two spares
- Fibreglass and steel body presented in superb overall condition
- Twin external front fog lamps
- Dual air horns
- Excellent chassis with no evidence of corrosion
- Very good chrome and external exhaust pipes
- Full weather equipment with dark red vinyl hood
THE MECHANICS
- 2.8-litre Ford V6
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Starts and runs well but has been off the road for a short while and a full service and recommissioning is recommended before regular use
- Genuine low mileage
- New tyres supplied
- Suspension, brakes and steering all reportedly in good order
SUMMARY
Okay, so it’s not the real deal – but if it was then you’d need an astronomical level of wealth to afford it. The last time a genuine SSK was sold in the UK it went for £4.19 million.
We can guarantee that this one won’t be anywhere near that but to the casual bystander it looks just like the genuine article. Well, if you squint a little, maybe.
One thing is for definite, though. This is a very smart evocation of one of the world’s most beautiful cars and it’s both barely used and in immaculate condition. A rare and unusual beast, and one that’s guaranteed to turn a few heads.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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