SLSHOP has become the custodian of an incredibly well-preserved Mercedes-Benz 500SL (R107) that has just 42 miles on the clock. The 1982 car has never been registered or driven on UK roads and is believed to be the only unrestored, unregistered example of its kind outside the official Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
Finished in Blue Green Metallic, the right-hand drive 500SL was bought new on 30th November 1982 by Mr Hough, a watchmaker from Gnosall, Staffordshire. He paid £24,400 for it back then (around £87,000 in today’s money). Rather than drive it, Mr Hough stored the SL in a purpose-built heated and dehumidified garage, where it remained untouched for more than four decades. As a nod to his watchmaking skills, he also made a hallmarked sterling silver Mercedes-Benz badge, which still accompanies the car today.
As you can imagine, the car has most of its factory details intact. It has its original stickers, Waxoyl on the engine and exhaust, and a range of optional extras worth £2,331 at the time (approximately £8,360 today). These include air conditioning, heated seats, anti-lock brakes, leather upholstery, rear seats, and metallic paint.
“This 500SL is the closest reflection of the original R107 SL blueprints, a reference point for our technicians and a benchmark for the wider Mercedes-Benz community who continue to preserve these wonderful machines. We first learned of it 15 years ago, when Mr Hough approached me at the NEC Classic Car Show, and we agreed that one day SLSHOP would become its custodian. This car will never be offered for sale and instead, we are creating a dedicated climate-controlled space where this remarkable time capsule will remain on display as a lasting tribute to Mr Hough’s passion.”
Sam Bailey, SLSHOP Founder and Managing Director
The 500SL will be placed on display at SLSHOP’s Warwickshire headquarters, ensuring this untouched piece of automotive history can be admired by future generations. The vehicle will also appear at Mercedes-Benz World for a limited public showing in partnership with Mercedes-Benz UK.
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