A PIECE of motoring history with links to Australia’s political past is up for auction in Canberra.

A luxury car once owned by former Prime Minister and Treasurer Paul Keating, which has been in the hands of his former driver’s family for the past 26 years, is going under the hammer.

The perfectly maintained 1972 Mercedes-Benz with 87,897 miles (141,456 kilometres) on the clock was the Keating family car during the ’80s and ’90s. It’s expected to go for around $80,000.

When he left Canberra, Keating gifted the car to his driver – the late Jimmy Warner, of Queanbeyan – in return for his years of loyal service and friendship.

Jimmy passed away six years ago and the car was acquired by his nephew Simon Warner who has recently made the difficult decision to part with it.

“It’s a silver blue 1972 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL S class and was top of the range in its day,” said Warner, 56. 

“It’s got leather seats, power steering, power windows, power locks, woodgrain dash and airbags.

“It’s a really comfortable ride, like a lounge on wheels, but it’s time to let it go and let someone else enjoy it.”

Warner said the car – kept in his Queanbeyan garage until now – comes attached with a great deal of memories of the former Prime Minister and his driver.

Warner’s uncle Jimmy served as Keating’s ministerial driver for 13 years from his time as Treasurer in 1983 until he ceased to be Prime Minister in 1996.

Their relationship got off to a less than ideal start when Warner – a Commonwealth car driver since the late ’60s – first picked up the new Treasurer to take him home.

“The Labor Party had just got in – it was March 1983 – and I think Keating was living in Red Hill at the time,” said Warner.

“They were driving along and Mr Keating was giving Jimmy directions… ‘left here, right here’ he kept saying until Jimmy chimed in; ‘look here’ he said ‘you worry about the economy and I’ll look after the driving, son’.”

From that moment on Keating formed a firm friendship with the down-to-earth Queanbeyan local.

“Jimmy was a knockabout sort of guy,” said Warner.

“He called a spade a spade and could light up a room with his wit and sense of humour. 

“I think Mr Keating would have liked that.”

Warner said his uncle played a pivotal role in Keating acquiring the highly coverted Mercedes for his personal use as the family car. 

“Jimmy and him were in Melbourne on business driving their Commonwealth car and the Mercedes flew past them,” said Warner.

“Mr Keating said to Jimmy ‘chase that car I want to have a look at it’ and so he did.

“They pulled the driver of the car over – he was a doctor – and they got talking and did the deal then and there.”

Warner went on to become more than Keating’s driver, he was welcomed into the family as a trusted confidant, and special friend.

“Jimmy had a lot to do with the whole Keating family,” Warner said.

“He’d take the kids to preschool and school and pick them up again… he was a part of their lives.”

The family were privileged to see a softer side of Keating than the man’s well known public persona as a political head kicker.

“He was a very generous, kind, and softly spoken man… not too many people see that,” Warner said.

Warner said that his uncle and Keating had got into a bit of mischief during the years he drove for the former Prime Minister.

On one occasion the pair swapped jobs with Keating acting as chauffeur.

“There was a function at Parliament House and Jimmy had a few too many drinks,” said Warner.

“No-one could find Jimmy when it was time to go home. When they eventually found him he was in no condition to drive so Keating drove the car back to The Lodge with Jimmy in the passenger seat.”

When Keating lost the Prime Ministership in 1996, he left Canberra parting company with the beloved Mercedes and his dear friend.

“They kept in contact, and when Keating found out that Jimmy was sick some years later, he drove straight up from Sydney to the cancer ward at Woden Hospital to say goodbye,” said Warner.

After Warner’s death Keating delivered the eulogy at his funeral.

Warner hopes the car ends up in a good home with someone who appreciates Labor history.

“It would be good if they were Labor supporters, but if not who cares?” he said.

“I hope it goes to someone who will look after it and who appreciates Australian political history.”

The car is up for auction until 7pm, October 12 at ALLBIDS.