Anyone Here Remember Bob Williams?

[OK-944]

Three summers ago, as my wife and I pulled into the hotel in New Harbor, Maine (where, for the past dozen years, we always spend a night before taking the boat over to Monhegan Island) I noticed an older guy in a driveway nearby, apparently washing his Ferrari. So…I decided I’d better walk over and have a chat!

His name (he is now deceased) was Bob Williams…and that car was a showroom condition (black, and truly stunning) 1994 512TR (last one with the popup headlights, before the M I think). Bob told me that he’d done a bit of racing back in the day, but that he’d retired and now was tending to his collection…and would I like to see it? (is the bear catholic?)

Bob had two large garages, one for the Ferrari, plus a 1989 3.2 911 guards-red Coupe, a Dodge Viper (opened its hood and started it up….and yikes!), and something that looked a bit like an old Bugatti saloon (not this, but I’ve forgotten what exactly), and which Bob said was one of but three examples.

Bob’s other garage contained three more 911’s (both coupes) - one a white 1976 Turbo, the other a 1884 3.2 (guards-red like the ’89), plus a 1972 T. Again, everything was in stunning, showroom condition. (there was actually a loose bolt in the engine bay of the ’84 which Bob could not reach - so he handed me a wrench and I was just able to reach it!)

After the tour, Bob turned to me and said “the Ferrari needs some exercise…hop in!” And off we went for a great ride, which pretty much confirmed Bob’s claim to have “done a bit of racing.” I was really impressed with how this car felt and handled, and have since developed an interest in this particular model and year of Ferrari…so much so that if I had the bank account I might actually look for one (but not before a 911, mind you!)

Edit: Bob also said that this particular 512TR was part of a "special edition" of 25 cars. Something about extra horsepower I think, but cannot remember exactly.

Fast forward to the following summer…and neither Bob nor his cars were anywhere to be found. Turns out that Bob had passed away over the intervening year. While I did not inquire about his collection, I do know that Bob had been heavily involved in the Owl’s Head Transportation Museum (near Boothbay), but I’ve not yet stopped there either, and plan to do this next summer.

At any rate…it occurred to me that someone here may know something about Bob Williams and/or his car collection - so I just thought I’d ask!

[jamesnmlaw]

Perhaps this Robert Williams? Seems the right age and cars.

https://www.racingsportscars.com/driver/results/Robert-Williams-USA.html

[OK-944]

Does sound about right...thanks for the link!

[jamesnmlaw]

You are very welcome.

[OK-944]

Just found an obit for Bob...that he'd worked for IBM as an engineer and was an avid car collector, but no mention about ever having raced. But the way he could drive that Ferrari...was more than good enough for me! RIP Bob...and thanks for that great ride!