Which is the best phase willy, 1, 2 or 3

[spirez]

My dad was looking at getting a willy but doesnt know which phase to go for. He wants it to be reliable as possible as it will be his daily drive.

cheers

 

[morgan349]

Williams 3 in my opinion. I had the choice of all three and I think the 3 has the most pros:

Younger, more toys, better colour and most practical (ABS, Sunroof, radio etc etc)

I love mine. TBH I love them all though

 

[spirez]

yeah they hold so much presence on the road! i think a 3 would be best if it has the ABS

 

[007]

Williams 2 cause thats what ive got And a Williams 1 because thats what other people have too!

TBH I think most on here say it doesnt really matter - just get the best one you can!

 

[spirez]

is there much difference between the 3 visually?

 

[007]

The 3 is a nicer colour of blue (monaco blue) but apart from that they are ideantical.

Opps: the phase 1 is a wee bit different but not really noticable!

 

[Tonys]

Id say a 1 coz its the original. They are numbered. Just much more special than the rest.

But a 3 is newer.

So a 1 if you want a bit of history or a 3 if you want a newer one.

And a 2 if its the best u can find

 

[007]

I went for the 2 as it was the newest I could get without the sunroof.

As I was going to be spending a fair bit of mulla on a low milage one the very very small possibility of roof creases caused by the sunroof put me off the 3.

The 1 was out as I wanted the newest.

But the best you can find is the way to go I reckon!

 

[Ben H]

I would say be open-minded about which one to go for. Although there are slight visual differences between each, theyre mechanically the same car. I recently bought mine and was really after a Williams 2 as they look more modern than the original Williams (which has Phase1 trim), yet dont have the sunroof or ABS of the Williams 3.

But, the Willy is a very rare car! When it came down to it, I was buying on mileage and condition. Believe me that you dont have much choice of mint cars, let alone of a particular Willy, 2 or 3! I settled for an original Williams (no. 123) as it was a genuine low mileage car in great condition. Its a bit less modern-looking and noisier than a Willy 2 or 3, but it is one of the originals and its still a beautiful car. The 449 Sports Blue paint is still stunning after all these years and catches the sun very nicely (goes purpley).

Youll be getting a classic whichever Willy you go for!

Briefly:

Williams The original homologation special. 400 numbered RHD cars. Phase1 trim with no sunroof or ABS (because rally cars dont have them), manual mirrors and less soundproofing. Colour: 449 Sports Blue.

Williams 2 Phase2 with more modern trim, soundproofing and electric mirrors. Otherwise the same as Williams and no sunroof/ABS. About 400 RHD examples.

Williams 3 Another Phase2. As Willy 2, but with sunroof, ABS and brighter Monaco Blue paintwork. About 400 examples.

 

[spirez]

i didnt know there were so few! how does this sound to you lot?

1995 RENAULT CLIO WILLIAMS 3 2.0,
1995, N reg. 39000 miles, fsh, immaculate condition throughout, reconditioned alloys, fastidiously maintained regardless of cost, must be best available. £6,200 . ono.

 

[spirez]

oh, and if he does get one ill get him to re-furb the wheels so that the outer lip is silver! has anyone got any pics of this?

 

[Ben H]

Well, it sounds good - but youd better be quick! All the best ones go before you have time to have a proper think about it. One Willy I saw at a dealer in London went to sealed bids because there was so much interest!

 

[Louise]

re the one above. Mark went to see that one, and said it wasnt as good as the ad said... loads of scratches etc. I didnt see it myself, but Ill get him to confirm, as he should be online later tonight.

 

[BigBoreBri]

Quote: Originally posted by spirez on 14 October 2003


i didnt know there were so few! how does this sound to you lot?

1995 RENAULT CLIO WILLIAMS 3 2.0,
1995, N reg. 39000 miles, fsh, immaculate condition throughout, reconditioned alloys, fastidiously maintained regardless of cost, must be best available. £6,200 . ono.

I saw this one advertised for sale and just had to comment... the "must be best availiable" bit, well now since i have a near immaculate williams 3 with only 20k on the clock wont it be me having the best one out there, HE HE HE...

Its a tough one between choosing a williams, i luv the williams 3 just cos of the colour but a original williams 1 would be nothing but a collectors item... saying that they all are

Preferably as with most clios i find the best one would be nothing more than a collection of all 3 rolled into 1... unfortunatly theres three to choose from so just take ur pick and make sure u get a gud en!

 

[spirez]

i think its gonna be a three because he wants it to be reliable as possible and probably wont keep it for more than a few years (when i take over!) so not bothered about getting a ph1

cheers for all the advice

 

[Fatherted]

Id prefer the williams 1 , but my sensible head would tell me to go for the williams 3 !!

 

[MarkRS]

Quote: Originally posted by Louise on 14 October 2003

re the one above. Mark went to see that one, and said it wasnt as good as the ad said... loads of scratches etc. I didnt see it myself, but Ill get him to confirm, as he should be online later tonight.

Yeah i went to see this one, loads of scratches/dings, no 3 badge on boot, obv been sprayed. Bit of rust inside the boot, bonnet was a bit patchy, dodgy spray job?. No rust on arches though, and drove spot on, and had been serviced perfect.

Ive looked at 6 willy 3s, getting tired of looking at immaculate ones that are not.

 

[Kelly]

I dont think its a case of 1,2 or 3. As its been said before - look for the best condition one you can find. Re: reliability and choosing a 3 - theres only 12 months in it Maximum between a 2 and a 3!

My willy 2 is my daily drive, and its been superb. For sale shortly tho, and Ill miss it loads

 

[king.stromba]

Or you could get a Willy 1 on a P plate,...........just like me

 

[spirez]

you what?! i think itd be the 3 for the ABS

 

[Infinicar]

Or a Willy 3 on an R like me

Paul

 

[Ben H]

Spirez - some Williams were not registered when new and were used on trade plates or kept in showrooms.

Dont want to start an ABS-or-not debate, but youll find that most hot hatches of the time didnt have ABS. In fact, the original Williams didnt have ABS as rally cars dont have it (nor a sunroof!).

 

[spirez]

oh i get ya! well i suppose itll just have to be the best one around for £5-6k

 

[Ben H]

Um, no disrespect, but you wont get the best for £5-6k mate!

 

[spirez]

i mean the best i can get for that money