A piece of British music and motoring history will cross the auction block this November. Iconic Auctioneers has announced that a 1972 Mercedes-Benz W114 250, once owned by “Modfather” Paul Weller, will go under the hammer during the NEC Classic Motor Show in Birmingham on November 8.
The W114 carries a cultural provenance few cars can match. Weller, the legendary singer-songwriter and frontman of The Jam and The Style Council, not only drove the car daily but also wrote several songs behind the wheel, including “Driving Nowhere” from his fourth solo album and “All on a Misty Morning” from his eighth album, “As Is Now.”
The car’s center console even bears Weller’s signature, added years later at his Black Barn recording studio.
From Family Car to Stage in the Spotlight
Finished in Midnight Blue with a cream MB-Tex interior, the Mercedes was gifted to Weller by his father and long-time manager, John, on his 38th birthday in 1996. It quickly became part of the family’s daily routine, doubling as both school-run transport and creative space.
By 2014, the Mercedes needed restoration and was sold to Andy Ash of Andy’s Autobarn before eventually being acquired by a devoted Weller fan. Over the course of 12 months, the car underwent a complete restoration, after which it was returned to Weller’s studio for authentication and his signature. Since then, it has appeared at exhibitions, featured on “Tufty Tours” in Weller’s hometown of Woking, and even helped raise funds for charities with the Weller family’s blessing.
Today, the car is described as “well-restored and very well-presented,” with just over 80,700 miles on the odometer. It will be offered with a pre-sale estimate of £40,000–£50,000 ($54,000–$67,000).
Mercedes W114: A Design Icon
The Mercedes W114/115 range, designed by Paul Bracq, debuted in 1968 as part of the marque’s “New Generation” lineup. Known for their high-quality engineering, these models featured independent coil-sprung suspension paired with four-wheel disc brakes, offering refinement that outshone many of their contemporaries.
The 250 model sat near the top of the range, powered by a 2.8-liter SOHC straight-six producing 128 horsepower. Period road tests noted its 106 mph top speed, precise handling, and trademark Mercedes build quality.
Cultural Provenance Meets Collectible Appeal
Rob Hubbard, Managing Director and Principal Auctioneer at Iconic Auctioneers, summed up the car’s unique value:
“Cars with genuine cultural provenance are rare. This W114 bridges music and motoring in a way that resonates with enthusiasts and fans alike. We are proud to present it at the NEC.”
Auction Details
The Paul Weller Mercedes will be offered as part of the Iconic Collectors’ Car Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show, taking place from November 7 to 9. Iconic Auctioneers is currently taking consignments for collectors’ cars, motorcycles, and automobilia until October 10. Full details are available at iconicauctioneers.com.