Williams BMW celebrates 50 years in Liverpool with huge birthday event

Williams, the largest BMW retailer in the North West, marked a major milestone in Liverpool this year—its 50th anniversary in the city.

To celebrate this incredible achievement, Williams BMW hosted a special event onOctober 4, 2024 at the iconic Museum of Liverpool.

Hosted by television presenter Simon Rimmer, the evening was a spectacular tribute to both the city and the company’s enduring legacy.

The event featured a preview of a special film that captures the essence of Liverpool, its vibrant culture, and its enduring spirit. This unique film, ‘Liverpool Story’, is a visual celebration of the city, and has been filmed over twelve months by local documentary makers, Shut Out the Light.

Additional footage featuring both the Williams family and colleagues, many of whom work behind the scenes at the centres on Great Howard Street and Pall Mall, has been shot to reveal authentic stories of the Williams culture as it shines a spotlight on workers who share their experiences of working in the business over many years.  

Williams is the sole supporter of the “Liverpool Story” film release which premieres in November at the Liverpool Philharmonic, underlining the firm’s role in investing in the cultural and commercial development of the city.

TV star Simon Rimmer interviewed the documentary maker and members of the Williams family, whose great grandparents and grandparents also worked in the business, at the event. 

Regularly seen on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, Simon interviews stars of stage and screen alongside some of the country’s top businesspeople as part of the weekly three-hour show.

As a premier retailer of BMW vehicles, Williams Liverpool BMW showcased a collection of classic models alongside modern counterparts at the anniversary event. These iconic cars were on display inside the museum, providing guests with a unique opportunity to admire the evolution of automotive design and technology.  

Pride of place was two heritage cars, fresh from an appearance at the prestigious Goodwood Revival Festival – the BMW 3.0 CSL Batmobile and the iconic BMW M1 with its innovative styling and £700,000 price tag. 

The BMW 3.0 CSL Batmobile is one of 167 built, and was given its “Batmobile” name as a result of upgrades to its radical aero kit. It went on to win six European championships, and was raced in by F1 superstar Nikki Lauda.  Also preserved from the 1970s and equally Instagram-worthy is the BMW M1. 

Intended both as a road car and a race car, the ‘M’ in BMW M1 denoted the Motorsport division and the ‘1’ signified the car’s importance in engineering history. In addition, five eye catching vehicles from the current BMW range were displayed outside of the Museum to pay homage to the five decades of Williams in the city. 

Williams commissioned the in-demand Liverpool String Quartet to create and perform a bespoke playlist for the event to entertain the 300 guests. 

Formed in 2010 by musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Liverpool String Quartet has built a strong reputation both in the UK and internationally. With a unique blend of Liverpool-themed classics, the quartet made up of some of the city’s greatest musicians, created the ambience for the invite-only event.

Williams’ presence in Liverpool began 50 years ago, when the family-run business opened its doors for the first time. Originally located on Scotland Road, the car business was combined with a petrol station.

Margaret Orton Williams, Chairman of Williams Group and granddaughter of founder John Henry Williams, is proud to have overseen the business as it thrives in the city: 

“Liverpool is a place like no other.  There is a special  warmth and character our team bring to work that makes us stand apart. They put their own stamp on the organisation and put into practice our family traditions and values to ensure the business continues to go from strength to strength.”

Guy Adams, Managing Director of Williams added:

“We are incredibly proud of our 50-year history in Liverpool. This city has been an integral part of our story, and our long-term relationship with the city and its people is a testament to our outstanding team who consistently deliver the Williams difference every day.”

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