Clio Williams again!
Discussion
Inspired by Packs' wonderful restoration job on his Williams 3 and the sunny weather, I got my Willy 2 out the garage for a bit of a spruce up. Just trying to sort out a niggling electrical issue which keeps popping a 30A fuse, then I'll go out for a blast to blow away the cobwebs. Even by today's standards, it's a great little car and becoming something of a rarity.
Unlike Packs' Williams 3, it is in the 449 Blue which is slightly less vibrant and came on the original Willy 1 and the 2.
Unlike Packs' Williams 3, it is in the 449 Blue which is slightly less vibrant and came on the original Willy 1 and the 2.
MrMoonyMan said:
Lovely.
I really need to add one of these to my fleet one day.
May I ask why this is better (or not) than the 16valver and what, if any, the real life differences are between this and the Williams 1 and 3?
I don't have a comprehensive knowledge of all the differences but I think the valver was the F7P 1.8 engine which was 135hp (ish) whereas the Williams had the F7R 2.0 which I think had a stroked crank and different cams (and a few other bits I can't remember, which put out 150hp. I think it also had a slightly wider track at the front end than the 16Valver.I really need to add one of these to my fleet one day.
May I ask why this is better (or not) than the 16valver and what, if any, the real life differences are between this and the Williams 1 and 3?
In terms of differences between the 3 Williams. There were less built of the original Williams and it came with a build number on the little gold plaque on the dash, the other two didn't. I think the 3 was the only one with a sunroof and possibly aircon and ABS (I may be wrong here). Not that many differences between the 3 editions, but a purest might prefer the original #1, although in a way I think this kind of becomes less important as there are not many of all the models anymore making them all fairly rare. You'll need a true Clio Williams nutter to give you a comprehensive list of the differences though! I think the first one was also very slightly lighter, although they are all pretty much around the 1000kg mark, hence why it doesn't need an awful lot of power.
I didn't really finish answering your question.. I guess there is not much difference between the three Williams, you'd probably be best to just find a good example regardless of which version it is. Look for rust and a strong engine and gearbox would be a big plus. They will frustrate you at times but make up for it every now and again, they really do handle very well. Don't rule out a 16Valver either, but to me there's something much more special about the Williams. Maybe it's the 90s gold wheels against the 90s blue paint or the blue dials or the 'W's stiched into the 90s seats. I was born in '83 so it was always a school boy dream to own one, one day. And maybe because my name is William too!
It was a 16valver that I took in p/x about 10 years ago and ran for a bit that made me fall for them so I know what you mean about the way they handle!
But, as you say, there is something that bit more special about the Williams. I'm a while off getting one but there is definitely the need for one.
Oh, and I'm '83 vintage too btw.. All makes sense now..
But, as you say, there is something that bit more special about the Williams. I'm a while off getting one but there is definitely the need for one.
Oh, and I'm '83 vintage too btw.. All makes sense now..
Thanks for the comments guys. It's by no means perfect but there are certainly worse examples.
A fellow 83er! It must be something about our age but it seems to have a fairly wide appeal. It's always got quite a lot of publicity over the years and even the oldie car enthusiasts give it respect occasionally!
A fellow 83er! It must be something about our age but it seems to have a fairly wide appeal. It's always got quite a lot of publicity over the years and even the oldie car enthusiasts give it respect occasionally!
r1ch said:
Looks really tidy. I'd like a go in one of these to see how they compare to my 205 1.9.
I've always wondered what a 1.9 205 was like too. Where in the west midlands are you based? I have to go up there quite a bit, so could possibly have a French hatchback meet up one day. 
r1ch said:
Looks really tidy. I'd like a go in one of these to see how they compare to my 205 1.9.
I've always wondered what a 1.9 205 was like too. Where in the west midlands are you based? I have to go up there quite a bit, so could possibly have a French hatchback meet up one day. Willbee said:
I've always wondered what a 1.9 205 was like too. Where in the west midlands are you based? I have to go up there quite a bit, so could possibly have a French hatchback meet up one day.
Yeah why not. I'm in Great Barr off J7 from the M6. Send me a PM if your about mate.I was born in 82 and also wanted a Williams for years!!
I had 2 x 16V Clio's during my late Teens / Early 20's one was a standard Ph1 in Silver with only 35k on the clock, 2nd was a Dimma Clio which wasn't ever as good.
I'd still love a Williams though, just as a weekend toy - I'd have one over a 172 or 182 any day!!
I had 2 x 16V Clio's during my late Teens / Early 20's one was a standard Ph1 in Silver with only 35k on the clock, 2nd was a Dimma Clio which wasn't ever as good.
I'd still love a Williams though, just as a weekend toy - I'd have one over a 172 or 182 any day!!
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