The remarkable story of this Mercedes-Benz 500 SL

Across almost three decades in motoring journalism, I’ve driven and written about countless cars - yet this Mercedes-Benz 500 SL story reminds me why I love this machine in its purest form. And it proves there are plenty of other devotees who feel the same way.

The tale begins with SL Shop, a British business devoted to classic cars from Stuttgart, with the SL as its centrepiece. The company opened in 2006 and, not long afterwards - without realising it at the time - it found itself at the very start of a fascinating story that I can’t help but share.

Several years ago, at an edition of the NEC Classic Car Show - roughly the equivalent of our own Motorclássico show - the SL Shop team were approached by Mr Hough, from the Midlands. He was quite reserved, but within seconds he was talking about a 500 SL he had stored away in his garage.

As the conversation unfolded - enthusiasts of the brand and of that particular model talking with real passion - the question came up: was Mr Hough, by any chance, considering selling his SL? His reply was very polite, but unwavering: no.

A one-owner Mercedes-Benz 500 SL from 1982

Mr Hough had bought this Mercedes-Benz SL brand new in 1982, and he chose to specify every factory option available. For the bodywork, he selected Metallic Blue-Green (code 877).

When the car arrived at the Mercedes-Benz dealer - in the area of Carols of Wolverhampton - it wasn’t registered like the others. Instead, Mr Hough loaded it onto a trailer and took it straight home.

Waiting there was a private garage with perfectly controlled humidity and temperature, where the German model was placed on display. It has remained there for the last 42 years.

Where is the Mercedes-Benz 500 SL now?

After that unusual encounter at the SL Shop stand at the British show, nothing more was heard about Mr Hough or his Mercedes-Benz 500 SL. So, last August, nobody expected to receive a call from him.

With little time left, Mr Hough decided to pass his 500 SL to someone who would give it the value and care it deserves. In most cases, this would be the point where the SL Shop team would start thinking about the figures involved - and preparing for another restoration epic. But not here.

Mr Hough’s story, and that of his Mercedes-Benz 500 SL, is worth more than the outcome of any sale or auction. This is one that deserves to be preserved, just as it has been throughout all these years. For that reason, the SL will never be sold, nor driven.

Condition after 42 years in storage

As soon as it arrived at SL Shop, the Mercedes-Benz 500 SL with VIN#10704622002134 underwent a full inspection. Both the engine bay and the exhaust system still retain the Waxoyl applied at the factory.

There isn’t the slightest trace of corrosion, and even the Metallic Blue-Green paintwork (code 877) looks unlike what you see on other cars finished in the same colour. After all, this 500 SL has never been exposed to the elements.

According to the SL Shop team, the leather inside is completely as-new, and the characteristic new-car smell is still there. For all those reasons, this SL is more than just a time capsule.

There has been only one “modification” over these four-plus decades. At the front, where you would normally find the Mercedes-Benz badge, there is a sterling-silver version, sculpted by Mr Hough himself.

I understand the people at SL Shop perfectly when they say this Mercedes-Benz 500 SL is priceless. That’s why my list of places to visit has just gained a new entry: SL Shop’s premises in Stratford-upon-Avon.

That is now the SL’s new home, where it will be on display - but inside a new time capsule, with the same level of protection for humidity and temperature.