1929 Mercedes-Benz Gazelle Replica

The Mercedes-Benz SSK (W06) is a roadster built by German Mercedes-Benz between 1928 and 1932. The name is an abbreviation of Super Sport Kurz, German for "Super Sport Short", as it was a short wheelbase development of the Mercedes-Benz Model S. The SSK's extreme performance and numerous competitive successes made it one of the most highly regarded sports cars of its era. Fewer than 40 SSKs were built during its production span, of which about half were sold as Rennwagen, (racing cars). Many were crashed while racing and subsequently cannibalized for parts. Only four or five entirely original models remain, and their scarcity and rich heritage make them among the most sought-after cars in the world.

What does one do when they want to enjoy an extremely scarce sports car without the fear of selling one's soul to the devil and emptying one's retirement fund too? Simple, find a replica! You can enjoy driving it without fear of ruining a piece of history all the while keeping gobs of greenbacks in your wallet. It offers neo-classic styling that most folks will at least admire as it drives by, even if they don't know quite what it is, and with rear-wheel-drive and a featherweight curb weight, it's entertaining on the road. Built on a 1968 Volkswagen Beetle chassis, so it will be very familiar to work on for many mechanics.

Exterior
For a fiberglass kit car, fit and finish are remarkably good, with even door gaps, a snug-fitting trunk lid, and decent paint that is familiar to anyone who has driven, built, or even seen another Gazelle. This one is highlighted by a 2-tone body in medium blue and camel tan along with faux exhaust piping which all work to draw your eyes to the long hood and sweeping fenders. Other details like the chrome grille, carpeted running boards, and chromed wire wheels are all part of the vintage illusion, and everything remains in good condition, so you know the car was loved and treated right. And with a tan canvas top and faux mahogany fillers between the rear bumper and body it all looks the part of a wealthy aristocrat showing up at the club for dinner.

Interior
The seats are pure 1980s cool tan space age curved buckets that look futuristic, even in the vintage-looking Gazelle bodywork. There's a small storage area behind the buckets for your briefcase or other small travel items. A 3 spoke leather wrapped wheel gives a firm feel of the road. The custom-made wooden dashboard carries white-faced and black-faced gauges that are from both VDO and Volkswagen and there's a small glove box over on the passenger side. Weather protection consists of very 1929-esque folding canvas top and side curtains, but they actually give the car a very trim appearance and seal up better than a lot of cars of the target era. There's ample storage under the bonnet, big enough for a few tools and supplies, plus battery storage and it, too, is nicely covered with gray carpeting.

Drivetrain
A 1600cc 4-cylinder boxer engine courtesy of VW rests comfortably under the boot lid. It's topped by a single 1-barrel carburetor and has a 4-speed manual transmission with a 4.125 final drive ratio to transfer power to the ground.

Undercarriage
Up on our lift we see the underpinnings of a 1968 VW beetle. Rust free and generously undercoated square tube stock frame all mounted up and in good solid condition. Independent suspension is on the front while an independent coilover rear suspension brings up the rear. Drum brakes are on all 4 corners and provide capable stopping power. A clean rust-free undercarriage.

Drive-Ability
It fired right up and ran just swimmingly on the test track. Nothing out of the ordinary, and all working controls. We did note after viewing the car from the rear the top of the rear tires seem to bow out indicating excessive positive camber.

Inexpensive fun that stands out in a crowd, that's all the Gazelle wants to be. Can you imagine yourself driving down main street, creating a one car parade? If that's your kind of fun, give us a call today, or stop by our halls of Classic Auto Mall, and check out this and all the other offerings you can OOOOHHHH and AHHHH about.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.