A ‘TIME capsule' 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500SL in factory new condition that has never been registered or driven on UK roads, showing only 42 miles since it left the factory over 42 years ago has been discovered in Staffordshire.

The immaculate right-hand drive vehicle finished in Blue Green Metallic is unrestored and loaded with every available factory option.

It was found by SLSHOP - one of the world's largest and most respected classic Mercedes-Benz specialists - who believe this to be the only original, unregistered 500SL in existence outside of the Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart.

Purchased new on November 30, 1982 by a Mr Hough, a successful watchmaker for £24,400 (over £87,000 today), the vehicle was trailered to his home in Gnosall, where it was meticulously preserved in a heated, de-humidified garage for 42 years.

With obsessive attention to detail and unique watchmaking skills, Mr Hough created a hallmarked sterling silver Mercedes-Benz badge still proudly accompanying the vehicle.

Vehicle details that you would have found in a Mercedes-Benz showroom in 1982 include:

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 be placed on display at SLSHOP's Warwickshire headquarters near Stratford-upon-Avon, ensuring this untouched piece of automotive history can be admired by future generations.

The vehicle will also appear at Mercedes-Benz World for a limited public showing in partnership with Mercedes-Benz UK.

After nine years of production, the 500SL (R107) was first introduced to global markets in 1980 and features a 5.0-litre V8 (M117 E50) producing c.240 brake horsepower, offering a sub-eight second 0-60 mph time, making it competitive with Italian supercars of the time.

The 500SL would remain in production until 1989, with a minor facelift and mechanical upgrade in 1986 when the M117 E60 was introduced with more sophisticated emissions controls.

The 500SL was offered with a range of creature comforts as standard, such as cruise control, headlamp wash/wipe and electric windows.

From 1986, optional factory extras included air conditioning, heated leather seats, Anti-lock braking system (ABS), rear leather seats, metallic paintwork, leather interior, airbag, outside temperature gauge, sump shield, theft warning device, tow bar and an Orthopaedic front seat backrest.

SLSHOP was founded by Sam Bailey in 2006, the family business has grown into a 50,000 sq.ft. facility with over 40 colleagues and more than 140 SLs on site at any one time.

The company is a leading authority in the sale, restoration, servicing and parts supply for Mercedes-Benz models built from the 1950s to the early 2000s.

With more than 1,500 SLs sold, over 70 restorations completed, and a parts department shipping globally, SLSHOP has built a reputation as the go-to destination for SL owners globally.