'A Time Capsule': This Pristine Mercedes SL Was Uncovered After 42 Years In Storage

After sitting in a climate-controlled and de-humidified garage for 42 years, a pristine Mercedes-Benz 500SL is finally going on public display. The car was bought on November 30, 1982, with the owner trailering the car to his home where he stuck it in a garage for the next four decades.

Call it one mile for every year it was hidden away: the odometer displays just 42 miles on the odometer.  

The car now finds a home at the UK's SLShop, which has all the details on this rare find. The 500SL, which was £24,400 new, or more than £87,000 today ($116,719 at today’s exchange rate), launched in 1980 for global markets. It featured a 5.0-liter V-8 engine making around 240 horsepower.  

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 a bit more than 10 percent of the MSRP.  

The Mercedes is in excellent condition with no traces of corrosion, and it still features Waxoyl on the engine and exhaust. All the original factory stickers remain, and the car comes with the original sales documents and incomplete registration forms.  

Mercedes gave the model a minor makeover 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, discontinuing the R107 after nearly 20 years.  

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz 500SL

It’s not a particularly rare car, but specific trims in pristine condition with low miles can draw collectors willing to pay top-dollar to own a piece of history. This 500SL is heading to SLShop’s Warwickshire headquarters in England where the company will put it on display.  

We don't know much about the owner, but SLShop refers to him as "a reserved and proud gentleman" named Mr. Hough. He approached SLShop 15 years ago about becoming the car’s custodian at some point. And unlike other classic SLs, they aren't interested in selling this one. Sam Bailey, SLShop founder and managing director had this to say:  

It is, quite 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, where it will stand as a tribute to Mr Hough’s vision and to the future of the classic car community.

The company wants to ensure “his untouched piece of automotive history can be admired by future generations.” It’ll also make limited public appearances at Mercedes-Benz World, a facility and track to experience the brand’s high-performance options.

At least it won’t be tucked away from curious eyes for another 40 years.