Hubert Haderthauer/SAPOR
A finely detailed scratchbuilt 1:8th scale model of the 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSKL by Haderthauer/Sapor Modelltechnik of Ingolstadt, Germany, 1990s,
Designed by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, the SSK was Mercedes’ racing powerhouse from 1928 to 1932, winning a long list of significant victories, including the 1931 Mille Miglia in the hands of legendary driver Rudolf Caracciola. It also broke the pace record for the Mille Miglia at the time with an average speed of 62mph(101km/h). The SSK was seriously fast, in fact it was the fastest car of its time. Its top speed was 120mph (~190km/h), and the performance from its 7.1L straight 6 engine is still decently impressive by today’s standards. The key was its supercharger, which engaged via a clutch when full throttle was used. This design gave the power when it was needed (especially at higher altitudes, where air is thinner), but also helped keep the car reliable by not having the blower stressing the engine all the time. From what I’ve read, around 170hp was available before the supercharger engaged, and 225hp hit when the boost came on. I have also seen some reports of SSKs making as much as 300hp, so maybe in different specifications were used for different races. The car also had a massive amount of torque, with as much as 500ft/lbs available on those highest spec’d cars. Keep in mind, all of this performance is in a car with 1920’s technology, so tires, brakes, suspension, etc were all nowhere near the level of a normal modern car, and the SSK weighed nearly two tons. Racing back then took some serious bravery.
This working and driving 1:8th scale Super-Sport-Kurz-Leicht two-door roadster, is an all metal construction, with white coachwork, as well as use of wood, chrome work, steel, copper and brass, rubber and glass to make an exactingly detailed 3,000 component model, including full engine detailing and dashboard instrumentation, accessories, suspension, steering, working electrics and other mechanical parts, black leather upholstery and black canvas hood, the model
This limited edition fully working 1:8th scale scratch built model was built in the 1990’s by Dr Hubert Hadethauer to his own exacting standards with the emphasis on producing the perfect miniature. As in all his models, this car actually drives like a real car with working clutch, gears, hand brake and accelerator pedal. The hinged cowling opens to show a completely replicated engine, and the model benefits from having working steering and suspension. This racing model has 5,800 parts all scratch built from raw materials. To meet the high quality standards SAPOR constructed about 1700 drilling devices and over 800 bending, punching and moulding tools of their own. This example is finished in the classic white livery with red bonnet stripe, applied in three coats on top of a primer coat and has leather seats and a working canvas hood. This example is one of only 25 built and stands at nearly two feet in length.
