SLSHOP has discovered a remarkable relic from automotive history: a 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500SL (R107) that has covered only 42 miles since leaving the factory, never registered or driven on UK roads. This right-hand drive vehicle finished in Blue Green Metallic represents possibly the only unrestored, unregistered factory new R107 SL outside the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
The car was purchased brand-new on 30 November 1982 by Mr. Hough, a Staffordshire watchmaker, for £24,400 a price reflecting over £87,000 in today’s money. Carefully trailer-transported to Mr. Hough’s home in Gnosall, it was meticulously stored in a heated, dehumidified garage for more than four decades. His attention to detail included creating a hallmarked sterling silver Mercedes-Benz badge still accompanying the car.
This exceptional example retains original factory stickers throughout, Waxoyl protection on the engine and exhaust, and every factory option available in 1982, including air conditioning, heated seats, ABS, leather rear seats, and metallic paint totaling £2,331 (£8,360 today) in extras. Not a trace of corrosion mars the body, and the vehicle comes with original sales paperwork and incomplete registration forms.
The Mercedes-Benz 500SL (R107) was produced from 1980 to 1989, featuring a 5.0 litre V8 M117 E50 engine delivering 228 hp and 405 Nm of torque. It could sprint to 60 mph in 7.7 to 8.1 seconds, competing with Italian supercars of its era. The car came with creature comforts such as cruise control, headlamp washers, and electric windows, with optional high-end features like air conditioning and rear leather seats becoming available after 1986.
Sam Bailey, SLSHOP’s founder, remarked, “This 500SL is the closest reflection of the original R107 blueprints. It’s a benchmark for our technicians and a treasure for the Mercedes community." SLSHOP plans to keep this exceptional time capsule off the market, exhibiting it in a climate-controlled space at their Warwickshire headquarters. The vehicle will also be showcased at Mercedes-Benz World for a limited period in partnership with Mercedes-Benz UK.
SLSHOP, based near Stratford-upon-Avon, is renowned worldwide as a leading specialist for classic Mercedes-Benz SL models. The company offers a full spectrum of services including sales, restoration, servicing, and parts, and holds over 140 SLs on site at any time.
Contact Information:
Sam Bailey, Founder, SLSHOP
Email: sam@theslshop.com