The Mercedes-Benz S-Series (W06) was a successful line of sports cars produced from 1927-33 that bore the nickname, the "white elephants.

The dimensions of the Model K chassis were retained, but the frame was lowered significantly and the engine was moved rearward by 30 cm (12 in).

The use of a wet cylinder liner enabled the M06 to be further bored out, increasing the displacement to 7.1 litres (430 cu in)[4] and providing an additional 40-horsepower, which meant that, with the supercharger engaged, the SS produced 200 hp.

This model, called the SSK, which stands for Super Sport Kurz (German for 'Super Sport Short’), had a wheel base shortened to 2,950 millimetres (116 in), and used the improved engine from the SS but kept the lower radiator from the base model S.[8] Its improved handling together with a top speed of 119 mph (192 km/h) made it a fearsome racecar.

In 1931 a pure racing version was produced in a limited run that was not offered through the ordinary sales program but was made available only for competitive racers.

[10] With a combination of a power output of 300 hp and an extremely light body, the SSKL achieved a top speed of 146 mph (235 km/h).