R S Williams Ltd was started in 1968 by Richard Williams after leaving Aston Martin where he served his apprenticeship.
The company grew from strength to strength during the 1970s and 1980s servicing, selling and racing Aston Martin cars.
Richard enjoyed much success in the competitive world of motor racing with Project 212 and Mike Salmon, DBR1/1 and of course DB4s. During this time Richard also managed various Le Mans teams; running the Nimrods in 1982/3/4, the Ecurie Ecosse C2s in 1985/6/7 – becoming World C2 Sports Car Champions in 1986 – and running the Aston Martin Works Group C Team in 1989.
In 1990 the business moved to our Cobham workshops which have expanded to become one of leading engineering companies in the Aston Martin world.
Neil Thompson, who is a director of the company, joined Richard after leaving school and has worked with him for over 40 years.
We have built up a dedicated workforce with vast experience in Aston Martin servicing, fabrication, engineering and race preparation.
Neil Thompson – Managing Director
Neil took over as Managing Director in May 2015 and is now in charge of running the Company. He was very involved with the rebuild and running of Lord Downe’s DBR1 and Project 212 cars through the 1970s and 1980s. He helped prepare and run Lord Downe’s Nimrod for the 1982, 1983 and 1984 Group C seasons. He went with Richard to Proteus Technology where he became Crew Chief for the No.18 AMR1 for the 1989 World Endurance season. When R S Williams Limited re-located to Surrey he helped Richard set up the Cobham operation.
Richard Williams – Director
Having set up R S Williams Limited in 1968, Richard retired in 2015. He died in August 2021 after a short illness and was nominated for an MBE in the New Years Honours List of 2022.
Carol Williams – Director
Carol is married to Richard and has been running the Accounts Department since 1979 when she took over from Richard’s mother. Since May 2015 she has been less involved with the Company and has handed over the running of the Accounts Department to their eldest daughter, Jacqueline Menzies
Jacqueline Menzies – Director
Jacqueline is Richard and Carol’s eldest daughter and has been working for the Company since 1998. She has been in charge of running the Accounts Department since 2015 liaising with Neil Thompson. Jacqueline has grown up with Aston Martins but combines this with her love of horses and has a show jumping stables in West Sussex with her husband Bruce Menzies.
Graham Ching – Workshop Manager
Graham joined RSW in 2017 to manage the Machine Shop, Engine Build, Service and Restoration Departments. He has enjoyed 17 years’ experience as an engineering & project manager for the McLaren F1 Racing Team and a previous 17 years working in engineering research and development for the MOD and private aerospace industry. He also worked with the Thrust SSC team which holds the current land speed record.
Adam Johnson – Parts Manager
Since Adam came to RSW in 2001, he has risen through the ranks of the parts department showing his keen passion to source Aston Martin parts for our clients and is now Parts Manager. Overseeing many important clients’ parts requirements, Adam and his extensive knowledge is your first port of call for spares.