RETURN to listing

WilliamsFW07-S

SPECIFICATION

Engine:
90 degree V8; 85.6 x 64.8 mm, 2,993 cc; dohc; max power, 470 bhp at 10,800 rpm.

Transmission:
Five speed manual gearbox.

Suspension:
Front, independent by top rocker arms, lower wishbones, inboard coil spring/damper units; Rear, independent by top rocker arms and links, lower wishbones inboard coil spring/damper units.

Brakes:
Disc brakes

Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 104 in (264cm);
Track: Front and rear, 64 in (163 cm);

Max speed:
According to gearing.

Williams FW07 1979/82


Though most of the 1970s Frank Williams struggled to establish his Grand Prix team, sometimes even sacrificing its name and running cars as Iso, Politoys or Wolf. He was independent in 1977 when Patrick Head designed the first Williams to make an impact and the car that followed the FW06 made the team a major force in world champion racing.

Efficient package

Some of the components of the FW07, notably the all conquering Ford-Cosworth DFV engine and Howland gearbox were "standard" to most GP cars of the time. The car was built around a slender monocoque chassis of aluminium honeycomb material, light, stiff and crash-resistant. There was conventional near-rigid suspension to cope with the heavy aerodynamic downloads of a "ground effects" car (the FW07 underwings were calulated to generate more than 4,000 lbs/1,814 kg of down-force at 180 mph/290 kmh)


A winner

Clay Regazzoni scored Williams' first GP victory in the 1979 British race, then Alan Jones won five GP's and the championship. That year Williams was champion constructor, as it was again in 1981. FW07's won 15 Grand Prix.


This shot of Alan Jones on his way to victory in the 1980 Dutch GP emphasizes the low sleek lines of FW07.

Photo Autopresse
MCMXCI, Edito-Service S.A. D1 078 01-15

RETURN to listing