Behind the wheel of a Bugatti Type 35 at just six months old, and a visitor to Laguna Seca and the Nürburgring when in short trousers, Will I’Anson must have Castrol R running through his veins.
Having spent his more recent years at the top level of the collectors’ car market working for others, he’s now branched out on his own. William I’Anson Ltd, set in the heart of the Cotswolds, is now open for business.
If I mentioned the fact that Will also crewed on the British 2003 America’s Cup boat ‘GBR Challenge’, and regularly races historic cars, you’d think he was a bit of an action man. Maybe. But the key to either of these activities is good organisation and preparation – skills which I’Anson can put to good use for collectors looking for cars to buy or events to enter.
I visited I’Anson at his conveniently located base just outside Cirencester, where the finishing touches to a multi-car showroom were being applied. It’s a great base from which to embark on a test drive: open roads and sublime English countryside (and a country pub only five minutes up the road).
The new company will specialise in classic cars from the ‘early days’ to the 1960s, with a particular emphasis on events and competitions. To prove that, in the showroom were a multiple-race-winning Lister Chevrolet and an Elva Mk VII – although they did share space with the Ferrari 246 GTS ‘Dino’ you see below.
“I’ve been in the business long enough to know what a collector needs to get the best out of ownership,” explains I’Anson, over coffee in his office. “Having taken a Aston Martin DB3S to the States and done the Pebble Tour, the Copperstate, the Colorado Grand and raced at Laguna Seca, I know what’s required to make things run smoothly. And, more important, what can go wrong.
“If a European wanted to do these sorts of events I could set it all up for them. Similarly, a party of US-based collectors could make a year of it in Europe; I’d arrange secure shipment and storage between events, organise hotels and travel itineraries, and make the necessary event entries.”
It’s I’Anson’s intention to make the new business ‘one port of call’; from sourcing a suitable car, to arranging restoration or race-preparation work with tried-and-tested specialists. Once equipped, it’s time to discuss suitable events, perhaps over a pint at the nearby pub.
“I want the ownership experience to be an enjoyable one,” he continues. “I’ve had tremendous fun over the years, but it’s all too easy to either buy the wrong car, or the wrong sort of car. It’s all about having fun, by making the right decisions from the word go. Single-seater or sportscar, pre- or post-War... what exactly do you want to do with it?”
He’s right. So, for those looking for some guidance, or who rather fancy making Will I’Anson’s showroom a little less crowded, or are just looking for a drive in the country, do give Will a visit. He’s here to help.
Please click HERE to see all William I'Anson's cars for sale in the Classic Driver car database.
You can also visit www.williamianson.com.
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Text - Steve Wakefield
Photos - William I'Anson Ltd. / Tim Scott, Fluid Images
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