Getting a valver isn't cost effective - plus it would come with the s**ttest thing ever to grace a mk1 - a sunroof.
I agree that price is no guarantee of condition.
You are unlikely to get a very good one cheap anymore, but just cause you pay lots doesnt mean its any better, might just be a greedy seller not a better car.
The Williams 1 and 2 didnt have a sunroof but the williams 3 did have.
So all the newer ones, have got a sunroof anyway.
I used to think a Williams 1 was more 'special' now I'd take the one in best condition.
Personally, I prefer the Monaco blue on the 3.
Most of the steering issues seem to be the U-joint. Easy fix with a dab of weld
A Mk1 is gonna be bad in a front impact in any event, lol
Can we put the 'welding the universal joint' on a williams myth to bed forever please?
Google a 'universal joint'. Then look at a williams steering column. You are welding a 'damper joint' in the column, not the 'universal joint', which is lower down. If you welded the universal joint the column would not turn left or right.
The damper is there to take the harshness out of the road on the steering wheel, it has nothing to do with accident prevention.