Stratford-upon-Avon, UK — In an extraordinary find that will excite classic car enthusiasts and Mercedes-Benz aficionados alike, SLSHOP has unveiled a factory-new 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500SL (R107) that has remarkably never been driven on UK roads. With a mere 42 miles on the odometer, this pristine time capsule stands as a testament to meticulous preservation and the enduring allure of the iconic SL roadster.
The Blue Green Metallic 500SL, owned and painstakingly preserved by Mr Hough of Gnosall, Staffordshire, for over 42 years, remains completely unrestored, loaded with every available factory option. SLSHOP believes this may be the only original, unregistered R107 SL outside of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
Purchased new on 30 November 1982 for £24,400 — equivalent to over £87,000 today — Mr Hough, a distinguished watchmaker, had the vehicle trailered directly to his home, where it was carefully stored in a heated, de-humidified garage. Over the decades, Mr Hough’s meticulous attention to detail extended to a hallmarked sterling silver Mercedes-Benz badge he crafted personally, which still accompanies the car.
This 500SL is a showroom-perfect snapshot of the R107’s original blueprint, complete with factory stickers, Waxoyl on the engine and exhaust, and a full complement of optional extras including air conditioning, heated seats, ABS, leather interior, rear seats, and metallic paint — a £2,331 package in 1982, or over £8,300 today. Notably, the car shows no trace of corrosion, and all original sales documentation, including paperwork from Carols of Wolverhampton and incomplete V55/5 registration forms, remain with the vehicle.
Sam Bailey, Founder and Managing Director of SLSHOP, reflected on the significance of the find: “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. 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.”
The 500SL will take pride of place at SLSHOP’s Warwickshire headquarters, where visitors will be able to admire this untouched piece of automotive history. In addition, the car will feature in a limited public exhibition at Mercedes-Benz World in partnership with Mercedes-Benz UK, offering enthusiasts a rare glimpse into a perfectly preserved piece of SL heritage.
For a classic car community that cherishes authenticity, provenance, and preservation, this 1982 500SL is more than just a vehicle — it is a living museum piece, a monument to the care and passion that keeps automotive history alive.
