ClioSport.net
Register a free account today to become a member!
Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
-
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read more here.
Willy 1,2,3,
- Thread starter Tony
- Start date
Williams: The original homologation special, 400 RHD cars, numbered individually and made in late 1993. Basically, Renaultsport took advantage of FIA Rallying rules that allowed engine capacity of up to 2.0 litres when a car was homologated (at the time, they were using the 1764cc Clio 16V as the homologation car). In order to do this, they had to make 2500 road-going 2.0 Clio examples. The car was named the Williams to celebrate the Nigel Mansel/Williams/Renault F1 victories, although it was basically untouched by Williams F1 Engineering Ltd. Nevertheless, Frank Williams and Damon Hill are among the Clio Williams more famous owners.
The original edition was based on the Phase1 Clio 16V, with the various modifications basically concentrated on making the best hot hatch of the day an even more fitting home for the new Group A/N rallying 2.0 F7R engine. The Willy also wore that unmistakable trademark 449 Sports Blue bodywork and gold/silver rimmed Speeline wheels, with wider tracks filling the 16Vs already pumped-up arches and sporting a larger rear lip spoiler.
The distinguishing features over the Williams 2 and 3 are the Phase1 exterior/interior trim ("retro" would be kind
), lack of sunroof/electric mirrors/ABS/basic sound system. None of the three editions have any mechanical differences worth mentioning. Williams 2: Such was the amazing public and press reception for the original Williams (see http://www.cliosport.net/articles/williams-2.asphttp://www.cliosport.net/articles/williams-2.asp), that Renault produced a second batch of Willies in 1994: much to the anger of the original Williams owners. Still, with numbers of RHD cars at less than 400, these are again very rare. These were also Phase2 cars, which in line with the general Clio range are smoother-looking and more soundproofed cars - see elsewhere for details. The Willy 2 gained some of the refinements of the Clio 16V lost on the original Williams, such as electric mirrors. Still no sunroof or ABS and still 449 Sports Blue in colour.
Williams 3: Renault again gave in to the pressure and produced a final edition in 1995. These cars were again limited to under 400 RHD examples and were Phase2 models. They are distinguished by their Monaco Blue pearlescent paintwork (shared with the Clio 16V), which is a lighter colour than the 449 Sports Blue. These final editions came with an electric sunroof as standard, with ABS as standard (I think, or at least a very popular option).
My opinion is that none of these cars is generally in better condition as a group than the other. I looked at all three when buying mine and thought that they were about the same, with the Willy 3 in fact being the catergory of high milers. To some extent at least, its the look and your view that decides your favourite: Willy as the raw rally homologation special, Willy 2 the best of both worlds and Willy 3 as the refined final edition.
Ultimately, theyre very similar in looks and are identical under the skin - and as "the Best Hot Hatch Ever", thats just as well!
Williams No.0001 at Williams F1 Engineerings factory. Credits to King Stromba.
http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/10/web/286000-286999/286766_41_full.jpg
Hey hey, I said nowt about the colours being unique to the Willy - in fact I said the opposite! Its the colour combination that is the Willy trademark.
Whether or not its the best is always opinion - but I think youd agree that its considered widely as the best, even if you or I think its not. Mine is that the 16V and Willy combined the best of earlier hot hatches, but arent spoilt by the bhp race or excess weight from damped coathagers.
youll get comments everywhere you go mate, comes with the car i get numptys askin if mines a williams !!! (just coz its the same color) & if theres 1 think i hate & thats lookalikes.....might sell it & buy a bloddy red one !!.....lol
im amazed it looks like a clio inside !!.....lmao !!! now thats a classic
Ben mate......i wasnt suggestin you were sayin that the color was spesch....we both know it isnt.......im not dissin the car in anyway, i think its a great motor, & deffo 1 of the best hot hatches ever made so far ! & worth every penny
look see, i even bought one myself !!!
http://erc.qmuc.ac.uk/cliosport/gallery/full/1068592975__modelwilliams.jpg
look it even has its own plaque number on the dash !
http://erc.qmuc.ac.uk/cliosport/gallery/full/1068593114__modelWillDash.jpg
http://erc.qmuc.ac.uk/cliosport/gallery/full/1068592876__modelwilliams1.jpg
Where did you get the model
Ill give you 18k for it, lol
Quote: Originally posted by Smokey on 12 November 2003
Wheres this willy 3 for under 3k Fatherted? Whats up with it?
See above. Its a bit small, but mint apart from that.
williamsclio.co.uk/forum
There seam to be lots about - Have a look on ebay, i got mine delivered from france for £7. Bargin !
But do a search for items that are avaliable to the UK. You get more to view and less people are intested.....Better deal !
You sorted that missing centre cap yet ?
RiCh
heres the williams i found for under 3k.........http://erc.qmuc.ac.uk/cliosport/gallery/full/1068659776__williams.jpg1995 RENAULT CLIO WILLIAMS 3 2L,
1995, N reg. 105000 miles, Manual, full electrics, pas, abs, recent full major service with new cambelt, excellent condition, includes alarm and immobiliser, tax and MoTd. £2,995 . ono.
Tel: (07887) 567566
Price: £2,995 ono.
this is a genuine sale people....i havent made it up..........3k for an "N" plate williams......BARGIAN !!!
i bought my little model from belgium about 2 years ago...i think it cost about a tenner
A mate did a summer placement at williams four years back. Apparantly the bloke he worked for said he had got given a 16v for a bit, ragged it round the car park and made a few recommendations to changes to suspension mountings etc so that they felt would make the little clio worthy of the williams badge. Renault Sport then took it through development to production. Obviously the needs of the rally team/marketing people were a big(ger) consideration but Williams did have a small hand in that they recommended changes. While my mate was there they closed a few carparks and did something similar with lagunas (road cars - think they are a bit more sophisticated with the touring cars!).
I only have his word for it so feel free to call me a liar etc
. But I believe him. Am getting a bit worried about these 3k Williams, always thought the clio would hold its value if kept clean.Willy 3s were probably one of the worst.
Lot of the late 16vs and williams seemed to have a problem with excessive corrosion on the rear arches. at the front part of the arch. The older ones seem to resist it a little better.
If you find a willy 3 with arches perfect you are either doing very well or its had em replaced or bodged!
IMO the Willy 1 is the more collectable with the plaque on the dash etc.
But I think the 2s and 3s look a bit better.
