As the fastest cars of their day, SSKs attract sky-high values. There are so many elements that come into play – the model that the SSK was derived from, the S, was designed by Dr Ferdinand Porsche, the last car he designed before setting up on his own, and it’s been said that he made it as close to a race car as the Mercedes-Benz board would allow.

The SSK’s supercharged 7-litre engine produced between 200 and 300bhp, depending on specification, with many capable of 120mph. Unsurprisingly, they were highly successful in racing, but the ultimate
version, the 1931 Mille Miglia-winning SSKL, no longer exists.

Around 40 SSKs were built, around half of which were stripped down Rennwagen racers. One of the greatest surviving SSKs is Ralph Lauren’s unique streamlined Count Rossi-bodied car, pictured above.

NEXT: No. 7 - Boeing Lunar Roving Vehicle