Showstopping Celebration to Mark Fifty Years in the City for Williams Liverpool BMW

Liverpool Landmark Business Takes Over Museum of Liverpool to Preview Specially Commissioned Film and Showcase Heritage Vehicles at Birthday Event

Williams, the largest BMW retailer in the North West of England, marked its 50th anniversary in Liverpool, with a celebratory event hosted by television presenter, Simon Rimmer, at the renowned Museum of Liverpool.

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, was 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.

Watch this short video (shot by The Guide Liverpool) that captures the soul of the evening. With beautiful heritage BMW cars like the BMW M1 and the 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’ on display at the iconic Museum of Liverpool, and a sneak-preview of Shut Out The Light feature documentary “Liverpool Story”, the night was one to write home about and will certainly be remembered for years to come.

Guy Adams, Simon Rimmer, Alexandra Cook and Margaret Orton Williams
Simon Rimmer interviews Margaret Orton Williams and Alexandra Cook

TV star Simon Rimmer interviewed the documentary maker, Dan Draper, and members of the Williams family whose great grandparents and grandparents also worked in the business at the event. Regularly seen on Channel 4s Sunday Brunch, Simon interviews stars of stage and screen alongside some of the country’s top businesspeople as part of the weekly two-hour show and spent a memorable hour chatting on stage at the event.

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 were 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 was 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.

Simon Rimmer in front of the BMW M1
The classic BMW 3.0 CSL 'Batmobile" is admired
Alexandra Cook, Margaret Orton Williams and Simon Rimmer in front of the BMW M1

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 which was a memorable celebration of one of Liverpool’s best loved businesses.

Liverpool String Quartet
Colleagues of Williams Liverpool BMW, and Margaret Orton Williams (centre) the granddaughter of founder, John Henry Williams
Williams guests gather to watch Simon Rimmer interview Documentary Maker Daniel Draper

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. Following two decades of successful trading, the business invested significantly in what is now a landmark location and gateway to the city at Great Howard Street. 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.”

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.

Guy Adams, Managing Director of Williams.


A family business: Granddaughter and Great-Granddaughter of founder John Henry Williams (Margaret Orton Williams and Alexandra Cook)