Williams has launched a High Court claim seeking the return of a historic FW23 Formula 1 car that the team says was not returned after a loan to Autotech Performance Ltd. According to The Independent’s report of 7 October 2026, Williams is also seeking hire charges or, if the car is not returned, an alternative payment of more than £1 million. The case had not yet gone before a judge for a full trial, and the reported allegations have not been decided by a court.
Why is Williams taking legal action?
Williams says the car belongs to its collection of heritage cars and was loaned to Autotech in 2015 under a document titled “Historic Car Loan Agreement.” The team says the agreement’s terms were known and agreed to by the company, and that it sought an inspection and ended the loan in October 2021 but received no response. Williams alleges the car was not returned.
Williams is seeking the car’s return and hire charges, or alternatively more than £1 million if the car cannot be returned, The Independent reported. These are the remedies Williams is asking for, not amounts awarded by a court.
What is known about the FW23?
The disputed car is a Williams FW23 from the team’s 2001 World Championship campaign, when Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya were drivers. The Independent reported that it is one of nine FW23 models produced. Williams says the car was loaned to the Shropshire-based Autotech Performance Ltd for display at the company’s Telford garage.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems#1 Best Overall
- 1/24 car in metal
- Vehicle screwed on base, in blister: no box
- A great gift idea!
What do Williams and Peter Thorpe say happened?
Williams’s account
Williams alleges that after the loan ended, Peter Thorpe claimed ownership of the car to a valuer and that the vehicle was removed from the premises. The team’s barrister, Richard Clegg, told the court that the loan was made on agreed terms and that the car had not been returned. Williams has not established those allegations in a full trial.
Thorpe’s reported defense
Thorpe denies telling anyone he owned the car and says he does not know where it is or who owned or removed it. Through his barrister, Duncan MacPherson, he also said he could not remember speaking to the valuer. His defense says he suffered a stroke on 7 October 2018 that caused cognitive impairment.
Rank #2
- Each vehicle is screwed on a base
- 1:18 scale collector's car made of metal
Thorpe admits the car was at the Autotech premises on 8 August 2021, when he attended an asset valuation, but does not admit that it remained there until December. He closed the company on 30 June 2021, according to his defense.
How are the car’s condition and value disputed?
The Independent reported that Williams attributes a value of £750,000 to the car. Thorpe’s defense disputes that figure and describes the vehicle as a show car without an engine. The report does not establish an independent valuation, and neither the car’s value nor its condition has been determined by a court.
Rank #3
- 1/24 car in metal
- Vehicle screwed on base, in blister: no box
- A great gift idea!
What happens next?
As of The Independent’s report on 7 October 2026, the claim had not gone before a judge for a full trial. The source does not establish the FW23’s current whereabouts or report a court ruling. The central unresolved questions include whether the loan terms required return in the circumstances, when and by whom the car left the premises, and what remedy would apply if it cannot be recovered.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Scale 1/43 metal
- Each vehicle is screwed on base and presented in a Plexiglas box
Rank #4
- Modern Formula 1 racing car – The Williams FW47 #23 from the GP Australia 2025 combines current Formula 1 technology with authentic racing look in scale 1:18
- Detailed diecast design - made of robust metal with precisely replicated wing elements, realistic cockpit and faithful racing paint
- Authentic vehicle – The model shows the Williams FW47 with the start number 23 from A.Albon and brings the atmosphere of the Australia Grand Prix in detail into the model format
- Collector-friendly presentation - Supplied in window box with plastic base for protected storage and stylish presentation of the Formula 1 model
- Solido - Model Cars for Home: Since 1932, we have stood for detailed diecast models of iconic vehicles - from classic vintage cars to modern sports cars, for collectors and automotive enthusiasts worldwide
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
