Whizzo’s wheels up for sale
The late Barrie Williams’ collection set to go under the hammer
Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams’ cars will head around the block during Silverstone Auctions’ Silverstone Classic sale on 27-28 July.
A long-time friend of Classic Car Weekly, Williams died in September 2018 after more than five decades of motor racing, during which he became a crowd favourite due to his exuberant, oversteery style on track and friendly manner off it.
By far the most famous vehicle in his collection is his 1964 Mini Cooper S. A 1071cc car, 120 MNP became the first Cooper S to win an international competition when Barrie clinched the International Welsh Rally in 1964. After a couple of seasons of competition, Williams sold the Mini, but bought it back decades later, after which he used it as a personal vehicle for many years. 120 MNP is estimated to fetch £60,000-80,000.
Silverstone Classic general manager, Guy Lees-Milne, said: ‘Barrie was an exceptional racer who touched the lives of many people with his largerthan-life character. We are honoured to be auctioning this very special history-making car at our Silverstone Classic sale.’
Also in the sale is a 1961 Fastakart and matching box trailer. Designed by Barrie’s father in the late 1950s and powered by a 197cc Villiers engine, the go-kart was competitive in its day, with Williams achieving numerous class wins in Fastakarts, before moving into car racing in 1960.
Completing the collection is a restored 1972 Lancia Fulvia HF – which Barrie bought in his later years – and a 2007 Gilera Stalker, which Barrie used as a pit bike for many years.