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One of Jacques Saoutchik's Art Deco masterpieces completed in the summer of 1930, this 6 cylinder, 7-litre one-off, was first purchased by Carlo Trossi (wealthy race car driver/collector, and Enzo Ferrari's representative in Rome), and kept by him until his death. Eventually acquired by Ralph Lauren, the SSK was given a "facelift" (red spokes and interior gave way to black), and it won Best of Show at Pebble Beach in 1993.
When CMC produced the SSK in '95, it was a milestone of quality and value. Panel lines are crisp and correct. A line of 41 hood vents and 56-spoke wheels properly adorn the perfectly proportioned and painted body. Radiator grillwork nicely simulates the original, as do cap and wheel spinners. Working photo-etched buckles for hood straps are a nice touch.
Niggling Imperfections: The windshield is too thick and too wide, and the windshield frame (a squared chunk of chromed plastic with molded-in wipers), only marginally resembles the original--this was an important, highly-visible detail worthy of better attention. CMC included the Rome license plate restored by Lauren, but omitted the large chrome trim over the dash, the spark advance lever on the steering wheel, and other dash controls. The chrome star emblem between the front wheels is missing, as are several chrome details on the body that would have been worth the cost to add to the model. In my opinion, the original red interior appointments by Saoutchik complemented the red brake drums, and would have been preferable to black. Get yours while they are cheap, as the supply is very limited. 4-stars! (08/24/1999)
(08/24/1999)
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