Williams Racing has commenced legal proceedings at London’s High Court against Peter Thorpe, a former garage owner, seeking the return of a historic Formula 1 chassis or a payment exceeding £1 million. The dispute centers on a Williams FW23, the team’s 2001 car, which was loaned to Autotech Performance Ltd in 2015.
The FW23, driven by Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya during the 2001 season, was intended as a showpiece for Autotech’s garage in Telford. Williams alleges that after requesting the car’s return in 2021 and terminating the loan agreement, no response was received.
Autotech Performance Ltd has since been liquidated and dissolved. Williams’ legal team claims the car was removed from the garage, with Thorpe wrongly informing liquidators that he personally owned the chassis.
Richard Clegg, barrister for Williams, stated in court papers that the car is part of the team’s unique heritage collection. The team strictly controls the use and sale of these vehicles to ensure their preservation.
Peter Thorpe, 58, is contesting the legal action. His defense maintains he never claimed ownership of the car, stating he ‘knew this to be untrue’.
Thorpe’s legal representatives argue he suffers from poor memory following a stroke in October 2018. He claims he does not know the car’s current whereabouts and cannot recall speaking to the garage’s liquidators.
According to Thorpe’s defense, he last saw the FW23 at the Autotech premises on August 8, 2021, during the valuation of company assets. He does not confirm if it remained there until December 2021, citing a lack of knowledge.
The valuation of the car is also a point of contention. Williams seeks over £1 million, based on a £750,000 valuation for the chassis. Thorpe’s legal team disputes this figure, noting the car was a show model without an engine.
The FW23 was a significant car for Williams, marking their second year with BMW engine partners. It secured four victories in the 2001 season, demonstrating strong performance on faster circuits like Hockenheim and Monza.
Despite its speed, the team’s title challenge was hampered by engine unreliability and a less competitive chassis on high-downforce tracks. Williams ultimately finished third in the Constructors’ Championship that year.
A Williams spokesperson confirmed the initiation of proceedings to recover a car lent to a third party and not returned. The team expressed full faith in the legal system to resolve the matter.
The case remains active at the High Court in London and has not yet proceeded to a full trial.
