There’s only one manufacturer that dominated the race car world in the 1930s; only one whose form is as unrivaled as its function. There is only one legend; one icon of world-class performance. There's only one...Mercedes-Benz. Now, the Franklin Mint is proud to present the ultimate racing champion — the 1931 Mercedes-Benz SSKL.

By 1931, Mercedes-Benz had serious competition on the race track from Bugatti and Alfa Romeo. Mercedes-Benz responded by reducing the weight of its SSK, creating the SSKL (Super Short Sport Light). The SSKL was known as the "White Elephant" because of its powerful appearance, overwhelming power and fresh white paint. Rudolph Caracciola and co-driver Wilhelm Sebastian drove their SSKL to victory in the 1931 Mille Miglia, setting a new track record of 101.1 km/h over a treacherous roadway of 1,635 km.

It was the first time in the history of Mille Miglia that non-Italian drivers in a car of foreign make won the championship. Economic depression had undercut support for the Mercedes team so that its small crew had to race to reach the next refuel stops by taking shortcuts before Caracciola was there. This win was representative of the impressive winning streak enjoyed by Mercedes-Benz with its S, SS, SSK and SSKL race cars between 1927 and 1933.

This 1:18 scale precision model, composed of 1,885 individual parts, features amazing detail exactness. Special features include leather-covered steering wheel and seats. The double wing engine hoods are fastened by leather belts. Plus, this model features a wooden tool box mounted on the right side, containing miniature tools!

Don’t Wait — own a piece of the Mercedes legend today!