The Incredible History of R.S. Williams

The 1960s marked the start of it all. While London thrived with art, music, and fashion, celebrated worldwide through its exports of British popular culture, Richard Stewart Williams' passion lay elsewhere—in engineering. After weighing two job offers, one from AC and the other from Aston Martin, he ultimately chose the latter, setting the stage for a remarkable journey.

 

Richard's mentor: Aston Martin Race Team Manager, John Wyer

Richard Williams left school to begin an apprenticeship at Aston Martin's Feltham facility. Under the guidance of John Wyer, the Aston Martin Race Team manager, and Sir David Brown—who had led the team to victory in 1959 with the DBR1 driven by Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori—Richard's career took flight.

 

David Brown with Carroll Shelby, Roy Salvadori and Stirling Moss at Le Mans (1959)

Four years later, Aston Martin moved to Newport Pagnell, and Richard went with them. It was there that he met actor and comedian Peter Sellers, a devoted Aston Martin owner and car enthusiast who was a regular visitor to the factory. Soon after, Richard left Aston Martin to work directly for Sellers, maintaining his collection of road and race cars while living above the garage at Sellers’ home in nearby Elstead. Richard also took charge of the newly formed Peter Sellers Racing Team, overseeing the preparation and racing of Lotus 23s, Formula 3 Lotus 35s, and Mini Cooper S’s.

 

One of a number of Aston Martins owned by Peter Sellers

At just 23 years old, with £1,000 from his mother Ivy, who also managed the accounts, and a boost from Peter Sellers recommending his services to other Aston Martin owners, Richard founded Richard Stewart Williams Limited (RS Williams). The business started under the railway arches of Coldharbour Lane in Brixton, London, marking the official formation of the company. Richard and his wife Carol took a hands-on approach to marketing, placing RS Williams business cards under the windscreen wipers of Aston Martins spotted around London.

 

The railway arches of Coldharbour Lane, Brixton (c1960)

Throughout the 1970s, the company saw substantial growth, specializing in servicing, selling, and racing Aston Martins. Richard achieved considerable success in motorsport, particularly with Project 212, Mike Salmon, the DBR1/1, and, of course, DB4s. During this period, he also took on the management of several teams competing in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.

 

Richard Williams navigates a right-hander in his DB4/108/R at Wiscombe Hill Climb

One of the more successful outcomes of the unique marketing approach of Richard and Carol was when Don Thompson reached out to have some work done on his 1958 MKIII Drophead. Richard gladly accepted the job, which led to Don's son Neil Thompson joining RS Williams. Some might consider it fate. In that same year, Richard and Neil moved to larger premises on Padfield Road in Brixton.

 

Pictured left to right: Lady Downe, Mike Salmon, Neil Thompson, Richard Williams and Lord Downe

Richard and the company thrived throughout the 1980s. He was approached to manage Group C teams, leading the Aston Martin Nimrods in 1982, 1983, and 1984, and the Ecurie Ecosse C2s in 1985, 1986, and 1987. Under his guidance, the Ecurie Ecosse team became World C2 Sports Car Champions in 1986.

 

The Ecurie Ecosse C2 Le Mans World Championship winning team (1986)

In 1989, Richard also managed the Aston Martin Works Group C team. During this period, the regular operations at RS Williams were put on hold, with the company primarily focusing on selling parts. Richard, along with Ray Mallock, Michael Bowler, Neil Thompson, and the core RS Williams team, shifted to work at Proteus Technology in Milton Keynes.

 

The Aston Martin Le Mans team at Proteus Technology (1989)

In 1990, RS Williams relocated to Cobham, where a dedicated, loyal, and highly skilled workforce was assembled. This team brought deep expertise in Aston Martin servicing, fabrication, engineering, and race preparation, positioning RS Williams to become a leader in the Aston Martin heritage industry.

 

The RS Williams Cobham HQ

The company continued to thrive in racing, participating in events such as the N24 and the long-distance endurance race from Peking to Paris. This era was defined by remarkable achievements, milestone anniversaries, and key upgrades, making it a transformative decade for RS Williams.

 

RS Williams prepared DB5 Rally Car participating in the Peking to Paris endurance race

The skilled workforce established in the 1990s played a pivotal role in the early 2000s, when modern interpretations of Heritage Aston Martins were introduced. The team built two Sanction III Zagatos, enhanced the 7-litre V8 engine originally developed in the 1990s, and launched a contemporary racing team featuring the Aston Martin N24.

 

The RS Williams developed 7-litre V8

In 2015, Richard retired, passing the role of Managing Director to Neil Thompson. Richard's eldest daughter, Jacqueline Menzies, assumed the position of Financial Director, ushering in a new era for RS Williams.

 

Neil Thompson and Jacqueline Menzies in the concours winning DB4GT Zagato Lightweight 0193/R restored by RS Williams

Since 2020, RS Williams has taken on a growing number of prestigious restorations, with notable Aston Martins passing through the Cobham workshop each month. The company's expertise in discreet sales has also facilitated the successful negotiation of some of the world’s most significant Post-War Astons. As a result, RS Williams has firmly established itself at the pinnacle of the heritage car industry.

 

1964 Aston Martin DB5 fully restored by RS Williams

Note: Sadly, Richard Williams passed away on August 12th, 2021, at the age of 76 after a brief illness. In 2022, he was posthumously nominated for an MBE in the New Year's Honours List.

 

Richard Stewart Williams (10.06.1945 - 12.08.2021)

 

Click here to learn more about RS Williams and view their collection of motorcars for sale.

← Older Post