Almost anyone involved in the British motorsport scene over the past half century will know much about, and have a lot of affection for, Barrie “Whizzo” Williams. He passed away last year, and was known for racing anything, anywhere it seemed, as well as for his exuberant on-track antics, and for being one of the fraternity’s most colorful and engaging characters, summed up by his large and seemingly permanent smile.
And Silverstone Auctions has been appointed to sell his captivating and very personal collection of vehicles. They will go under the hammer at the auction house’s sale at the forthcoming Silverstone Classic, on July 27 and 28. The sale is led with the very special and painstakingly-restored Mini Cooper 1071S which Williams drove to be the first Cooper S to win an international rally, and goes right through to Whizzo’s paddock moped!
Williams ordered the 1964 Mini Cooper 1071S as new from his hospital bed after an accident and amazingly received it just three weeks later, despite the six-month waiting list. He then in 1964 entered 120 MNP–as the car became known–as a private entry into its first rally, the International Welsh Rally, which he and his co-driver John Griffiths famously won. This came before Paddy Hopkirk’s works Monte Carlo win in a Cooper the same year.
Williams continued to compete in the Mini for the next two seasons in major rallies in Britain and elsewhere, then sold it in 1965. Some years later he bought it back and restored the car to the 1964 Welsh Rally specification, sourcing and using original components. He also sourced all the original paperwork, and they were found complete in the loft of a previous owner’s ex-wife. Williams continued to use the Mini regularly as a road car and often went for lunch in it to the BRDC, where he was a member. This very special and inimitable car is estimated at £60,000 to £80,000.
“Barrie was an exceptional racer who touched the lives of many people with his larger than life character. We are honored to be auctioning this history making and very special car at our Silverstone Classic sale,” said general manager Silverstone Auctions Guy Lees-Milne.
The Mini will be joined at the sale by Williams’ 1972 Lancia Fulvia Series II HF. According to its history file, the previous owner had the car restored by a specialist over four years, with documentation confirming this. It’s estimated at £30,000 to £35,000. Something even more personal to Williams going under the hammer is his original Fastakart and box trailer, which is offered without reserve. The business was founded by Williams’ father in Bromyard in the late 1950s and proved to be a very successful kart, particularly with Williams behind the wheel. This 1961 kart is fitted with the Villiers 197cc engine and gearbox and also comes with a history file including a number of family photos. And the final lot from the collection is Williams’ paddock bike, a 2007 Gilera Stalker, which he used to get around paddocks and chat to so many people in his familiar way. This also is offered without reserve.
Images courtesy of Silverstone Auctions
