Time Capsule Treasure: 67-Km 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500SL Discovered After 42 Years

In the world of classic car hunting, the term “barn find” usually conjures images of dusty, cobweb-covered relics waiting for a second chance. But every so often, a discovery comes along that redefines the concept entirely. This isn’t a story of rescue and restoration; it’s a tale of preservation so perfect it feels like magic.

A 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500SL has emerged from a Staffordshire garage, and it is quite possibly the most pristine, untouched example in the world. With only 67 kilometres on the clock, it hasn’t so much been driven as it has been curated.

A Labor of Love, Not Miles

The car’s entire life story is one of meticulous care. Its sole owner, Mr. Hough, a successful watchmaker, purchased the car on November 30, 1982, for £24,400a king’s ransom at the time, equivalent to over R2 million today. In a move that would baffle most new car buyers, he then had the vehicle trailered to his home.

It was never registered. It never felt a drop of rain. For 42 years, it resided in a heated, dehumidified garage, a silent, shining heirloom. Mr. Hough’s devotion was so complete that he even crafted a custom sterling silver Mercedes badge for his prized possession, a detail that remains on the car to this day.

A Snapshot of 1982

What makes this car so extraordinary is its completeness. This is not a restored car; it is an original. It wears its factory-applied Blue Green Metallic paint and every single optional extra available in 1982.

The team at SLSHOP, the restoration specialist that now cares for the vehicle, found it still wearing its original factory stickers and protective wax coatings on the exhaust and engine. The original sales paperwork from Carols of Wolverhampton, including the unfinished registration forms, was still with the car, completing a time capsule that captures a moment in automotive history with breathtaking clarity.

The Power Beneath the Preserved Hood

When new, this 500SL was the pinnacle of the R107 SL-class. Under that long, elegant hood sits a 5.0-litre V8 engine, the most powerful powerplant offered in the SL of its era. It was a statement of performance and luxury, a car built for grand touring. The irony that this specific example, capable of such open-road adventures, has spent its life in silent repose only adds to its legend.

A Future on Display, Not the Road

In a decision that honors Mr. Hough’s original intent, the car will remain unregistered and utterly unrestored. It will be displayed at SLSHOP’s headquarters and will make a special appearance at Mercedes-Benz World in partnership with Mercedes-Benz UK.

This 500SL is more than just a car; it’s a testament to one man’s passion for perfection. It’s a perfectly preserved dream from 1982, waiting for the world to admire it, just as it left the showroom.