A 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500SL in as-new condition with only 42 miles on the clock has been found.
The immaculate R107 roadster has never been registered or on the road since it was delivered new to Mr Hough of Gosnall, Staffordshire.
Unearthed by the SLSHOP, the Mercedes comes with every factory option fitted, which meant it cost its watchmaker owner £24,400 new when he took delivery on 30 November 1982.
The car has been kept in a heated, dehumidified garage its entire life, and Mr Hough even created a sterling silver Mercedes-Benz badge that is still with the car.
Extras added to the car when it was ordered include air conditioning, heated seats, metallic paint, ABS anti-lock brakes, leather upholstery, and rear seats. It has also been treated with Waxoyl from new and the SLSHOP says there is not a spot of corrosion on the car.
Sam Bailey, SLSHOP Founder and Managing Director, said: ‘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.
The 500SL will go on display at SLSHOP’s Warwickshire headquarters and will also appear at Mercedes-Benz World for a limited public showing in partnership with Mercedes-Benz UK.
