After sitting in a climate-controlled and dehumidified garage for 42 years, the Mercedes-Benz 500SL is finally going on public display. Purchased on November 30, 1982, the owner towed the car to his home where he kept it in a garage for the next four decades.
Call it one mile for every year hidden away: The odometer only shows 42 miles on the odometer.
The car It now finds a home at SLShop in the UKWhich contains all the details about this rare discovery. The 500SL, which was priced at £24,400 new, or more than £87,000 today ($116,719 at today’s exchange rate), was launched in 1980 for international markets. It features a 240-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 engine.
This example came with all the optional extras, including air conditioning, heated seats, anti-lock brakes, leather, rear seats, and Blue Green Metallic paint. The options added £2,331 – £8,360 today (11,216), or just over 10 percent of the MSRP.
The Mercedes is in excellent condition with no signs of corrosion, and still has wax on the engine and exhaust. All original factory stickers remain, and the car comes with the original sales documents and incomplete registration forms.
Photo by: SLShop
Mercedes gave the model a minor facelift in 1986, coinciding with the launch of a more efficient engine. The automaker produced the 500SL until 1989 when it replaced it with the R129 generation model, and discontinued the R107 model after nearly 20 years.
It’s not a particularly rare car, but specific trims in pristine condition with low miles could attract collectors willing to pay a large sum to own a piece of history. This 500SL is headed to SLShop’s Warwickshire headquarters in England where the company will display it.
We don’t know much about the owner, but SLShop refers to him as a “reserved, proud man” named Mr. Hogg. He approached SLShop 15 years ago about becoming a car keeper at some point. Unlike other Classic SLs, they are not interested in selling this model. Sam Bailey, SLShop founder and managing director, said:
It is simply a time capsule.
We are committed to never offering this vehicle for sale. Instead, we are creating a permanent, climate-controlled display here in Stratford-upon-Avon, which will be a tribute to Mr. Hogg’s vision and the future of the classic car community.
The company wants to ensure that its “untouched piece of automotive history can be admired by future generations.” It will also make a limited public appearance at Mercedes-Benz World, a facility and track to experience the brand’s high-performance options.
At least it won’t be hidden from curious eyes for another 40 years.
