For Sale: 1998 Williams Mecachrome FW20
Images thanks to Cars International
Born out of the most radical rule changes that Formula 1 had seen in years, Williams’ FW20 was as ferociously competitive as it was resilient. This Williams FW20 was 1997 Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve’s ride during that season, and it’s currently up for sale at Cars International.
Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia. 6-8 March 1998. Jacques Villeneuve by Martyn Elford/LAT Photographic
Villeneuve used the car, chassis 05, for nine races during the season on the way to fifth in the drivers title. It was his ride for his two most successful races that year – third in the German Grand Prix, and another third in the Hungarian Grand Prix, helping Williams-Mecachrome to claim third in the constructors’ title and making it the most successful of the FW20s built.
It will be sold with a comprehensive history file including certificate of authenticity, engineering notes, historic documentation from the Williams archive, and photographs.
Williams F1
FW20-05 is currently presented out of its period livery, dressed in its BMW livery of the early 2000s, and will be sold without an engine. This makes it a great buy and a tremendous value for money at its asking price of £67,500 GBP.
A Formula 1 car of this calibre is a rare find at any time, and one with this rich history at this price is particularly special. Hit this link to Cars International for the full information, and read on for more of its story.
Images thanks to Cars International
1998 Williams/Mecachrome FW20 chassis number 05
If F1 cars could talk the Williams FW20 would have a fair few words to say! Famed for its controversial red ‘Winfield’ livery, which shocked the nation and the fans when it first arrived on the scene, the car was the first to be designed by Patrick Head and his newly formed design team using the Williams-Mecachrome engine after Renault withdrew their factory engine supply.
Piloted by French Canadian Jacques Villenueve the reigning F1 World Champion was back to defend his title. An interesting fact Jacques was one of only three drivers ever to win the Indy 500, CART and the Formula One World Championship (with Williams in 1997.) He was no slow coach, in fact more a superstar! But in 1998 with the rule changes, the new design team, tyre and engine supply changes it was an uphill challenge from the start.
Despite all the odds and the famous Spa Francorchamps pile up where 13 cars all crashed at the first corner in torrential conditions – Jacques Villenueve and team mate Heinz Harold Frentzen finished consistently in the points throughout the year enabling Williams to finish third in the overall Constructors Championship. One of the reasons Williams is the second most successful F1 team in history.
FW20 – Chassis 05, is now available for purchase directly from the factory, via their authorised agents, Cars International. Chassis 05 was piloted in nine Grands Prix in 1998 by Jacques Villeneuve where he picked up Six point finishes and two podium results. The car, now in showcar format is currently wearing a more traditional Williams blue and white livery but it could easily be returned to its original ‘Winfield’ red livery and rebuilt to running specification.
For a modest £67,500 you could be in possession of this rather special part of Williams F1 history. For the full listing click here.
