A remarkably preserved 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL is set to go on display after spending four decades in storage. The vehicle, purchased new by a British enthusiast and kept meticulously maintained in a private garage, was recently discovered by specialist dealer SLSHOP. Rather than entering the collector car market, the vehicle’s owner requested it be preserved and showcased, and it will now become a permanent exhibit at SLSHOP’s Stratford-upon-Avon location.
A British car enthusiast kept a brand new Mercedes 500 SL hidden away in 1982, a testament to a collector’s foresight. Mr. Hough meticulously equipped the vehicle with every available option when he ordered it from Carols of Wolverhampton.
However, instead of registering the car or taking it for its first drive, he had it delivered directly to his home on a trailer. There, it remained under a protective cover.
The vehicle has been stored in a private, climate-controlled garage since the day it was delivered. This level of preservation is increasingly rare as classic cars become sought-after investments.
But recently, a specialist dealer received an unexpected phone call…
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METER: It has not been more than 4 miles on the road.
Photo: SLSHOP
Declined Offers
Around 15 years ago, Mr. Hough attended one of the UK’s largest car shows.
At the NEC Classic Motor Show, he struck up a conversation with the team from SLSHOP, a firm specializing in Mercedes-Benz SL R107 models.
There, he revealed the remarkable secret of his unregistered vehicle.
SLSHOP inquired at the time if he might be interested in selling the car. The response was a polite but firm no, according to Carup.se.
UNTOUCHED: Both paint, engine and interior are like new.
Photo: SLSHOP
Unexpected Call
For Mr. Hough, the car represents more than just monetary value – it’s a carefully preserved example of engineering and a piece of Mercedes-Benz history.
However, in August 2023, SLSHOP received an unexpected call. The owner felt the time had come to find a new custodian for the vehicle.
His primary concern was that the car would continue to be maintained in the same condition he had preserved.
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V8: 5-liter V8 engine – 43 years after leaving the factory, and in perfect condition.
Photo: SLSHOP
Remarkable Condition
SLSHOP conducted a thorough inspection at their headquarters. The results were impressive.
Under the hood and along the exhaust system, the original factory-applied Waxoyl protection remained intact – a coating that typically disappears after years of driving.
The 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 242 horsepower, appeared untouched.
There was no rust anywhere.
Henning parked the car in 1985 – then the phone rang
DETAIL: This emblem is made of real silver, and made by the car’s owner.
Photo: SLSHOP
Preserved for the Future
The metallic blue-green paint has never been exposed to sun or weather and is immaculate.
Inside, the leather seats look brand new.
Every detail demonstrates that this 500 SL is essentially frozen in time.
Among all the details, one stands out: the Mercedes emblem on the hood, made of genuine sterling silver and handcrafted by Mr. Hough himself.
It is the only modification to the entire car.
Here the car to Henning is started for the first time in 39 years
AUTOMATIC: Everything is also in perfect condition inside.
Photo: SLSHOP
A Permanent Display
Determining the value of such a vehicle is challenging.
However, SLSHOP has decided not to sell Mr. Hough’s prized possession.
Instead, it will become part of a permanent, climate-controlled exhibit at the company’s location in Stratford-upon-Avon. There, it will stand as a tribute to the former owner’s dedication and a living example of true originality.
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