1996 Williams FW18 – Classified of the Week

With Lewis Hamilton making the jump from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season there’s been a lot of chat about this most celebrated class of racing, not just here at Car & Classic but worldwide, such is the popularity of the sport, not to mention that of Hamilton himself. And seeing as how this is Car & Classic, the World’s largest classic and specialist marketplace, we thought we would celebrate that fact, not with a Ferrari, but with an actual, bona fide, genuine Formula One race car from our classifieds. Not just any Formula One car though, this is Jacques Villeneuve’s 1996 three times Grand Prix winning Williams FW18. F1 royalty then.

Many F1 fans consider the ’90s to be the golden age of the competition. Of course, these periods of popularity are myriad and it all depends on one’s age, as well as one’s loyalties when it comes to specific drivers and teams but I think we can all agree that the era of Jacques Villeneuve, Damon Hill, Michael Schumacher, et all, was a fantastic time for Formula One. This was back before the likes of KERS and DRS and whilst there had been a boat load of technological advancements with regard to car design and engine development at the time, a lot still rested on the shoulders of those behind the wheel, and if you wanted to overtake then you had to rely on sheer skill and will power rather than any trick driver aids.

Built by Williams for the 1996 Formula One season, the FW18 remains one of the most successful racing cars of all time, winning 12 out of the 16 races in its debut season. Designed by Adrian Newey and Patrick Head (with development help from Damon Hill) the FW18 was a continuation of the previous FW17 car. Powered by a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre V10 from Renault revving to 16,000rpm and producing 700bhp, the car was not only especially reliable but also incredibly competitive. As evidenced by its numerous wins and domination of the sport.

The Williams FW18, then, is a racing icon, forever holding a place in F1 legend and rightly deserving of such noteworthy reverence, which makes this such an astonishing opportunity. Here we have available to purchase chassis number three, one of the actual cars that raced in that awe-inspiring ’96 season. Piloted by Villeneuve during the second half of the season it achieved three race wins, two pole positions, two second place finishes and one third place finish.

It was moves like this that firmly cemented the Williams FW18 as a true F1 legend. And yes, that is the actual car we have for sale in action at the hands of Jacques Villeneuve.

Retained by Williams itself until selling to a well-known collector a few years ago, the car has been looked after by Williams F1. Freshly and comprehensively rebuilt by Williams Heritage, including the Renault V10, the car is now offered in running condition. Ready to use and complete with all operating equipment this FW18 would not only make a sound investment but it can actually be used in anger, should you have the skills, and indeed the courage to do so.

Eligible for numerous competitions and racing events, owning and driving an ex-Formula One car is a wonderfully exciting, and exclusive proposition. Insurance is a lot cheaper than you might think, too so if you’ve always dreamed of driving a car that (at one time at least) was at the very cutting edge of motorsport, then look no further than this Williams FW18 and all of the storied history and kudos that comes bundled along with it.