1985 Gazelle SSK 'Replica' Roadster

Description

Built by Classic Motor Carriages in Miami, Florida - at the time the world’s largest producer of kit cars - the Gazelle Roadster is a high quality replica of the supercharged Mercedes-Benz SSK, evoking one of the greatest classic cars of all time.  A development of the original S and SS, the SSK (German for Short Super Sports) was a 7.1-litre monster rated at 225 with the blower engaged, capable of achieving an incredible 250 km/h.  Legendary German driver Rudi Caracciola manhandled his SSK to victory on numerous occasions, recording wins in the 1931 German Grand Prix at the tortuous Nurburging and the dusty roads of the Mille Miglia that same year.  The few surviving examples command huge values today and feature in some of the best private collections in the world, like the famous Trossi roadster owned by Ralph Lauren.  Inspired by the classics of the 1920s and 1930s, the Gazelle was part of the “Neo-Classic” movement that reached its zenith in the 1970s and early 1980s and long bonnets, running boards, multiple exhaust pipes, wire wheels and plenty of chrome were all the rage.  Starting with a durable fibreglass bodyshell and heavy-duty tubular frame, Gazelle customers supplied their own running gear (mostly using Ford, Chevrolet or Volkswagen power) but almost every other component, from the chrome bumpers and grille to the headlights, were included and these details really set the car off.  Combining modern reliability and creature comforts with bags of character and lively performance, the Gazelle offers a unique driving experience.