Tucked away in the West Country is Williams Crawford; a haven for Porsche lovers, and one of the UK’s most intriguing independent specialists. We made the pilgrimage to see how this understated outfit is redefining what it means to own, restore, and modify a Porsche. What we discovered: a business as unique as the cars it cares for.

The Origins of Williams Crawford

The story begins over 30 years ago with Richard Williams and Adrian Crawford; two men united by a shared appreciation for cars that can endure the relentless enthusiasm of a young driver. “My first Porsche was a little blue 1978 924,” Adrian Crawford recalls, a glint in his eye. “It could take a hammering; it had great balance and not enough power for me to get into serious trouble.”

From modest beginnings importing left-hand drive 911s, the business grew organically. “We’ve always said yes to our customers, whatever the question is,” Crawford explains. And it’s this philosophy—combined with a tireless commitment to quality—that has seen Williams Crawford evolve into the dynamic hub it is today.

From 356s to 992s: Serving Every Porsche & Every Owner

Step through the doors at Williams Crawford, and you’re greeted with a sprawling collection of Porsches: from delicate 356s to cutting-edge 992s. “We’ll deal with any age, any model,” Crawford says, matter-of-factly. And they mean it; whether it’s an early 911 restoration or a 996 needing a suspension refresh, they’ve got it covered.

Their secret weapon? A willingness to adapt. “We’ve embraced young-timers—996s, 997s—and started offering gentle modernisations,” Adrian explains. That includes upgrades like performance suspension kits, interior customisations, and more. For the purists, don’t panic: they still handle world-class restorations on the classics, with their expert team led by Graham Kid, a veritable authority on early 911s.

Porsche 911 S ‘Special Build’ Backdate Targa for sale at Williams Crawford.

Enter Design911: Partners in Performance with Williams Crawford

Every project needs parts, and for sourcing, Williams Crawford relies on a trusted partner: Design911. “We trust their components and their service,” says Adrian. It’s a collaboration built on mutual reliability, with Design911 providing everything from engine components for vintage 911s to modern upgrades for the latest Caymans.

Adrian sums it up: “A component’s just a component until something goes wrong. What matters is the support behind it—and that’s where Design911 deliver.” Whether restoring a 356 or revitalising a 996, this partnership ensures every project is executed to perfection.

Beyond the Cars: A Transparent Approach

Williams Crawford’s ethos isn’t just about the cars; it’s about the people who drive them. “It’s always emotion that leads a purchase,” Adrian muses. “But it’s our job to make sure customers understand what they’re getting into—what the car can do, and what support is available.”

This approach extends to their sales department, which caters to every budget and ambition: from concours-level showstoppers to daily drivers, and even hobbyist projects needing a bit of TLC. Transparency is king here. “We’ll tell you what you’re buying and what it might need in the future. No smoke and mirrors—just the truth,” Adrian adds.

Looking Ahead: Always Moving Forward

Williams Crawford isn’t resting on its laurels. The team is constantly evolving to keep pace with demand: expanding the workshop, upgrading the showroom, and investing in new technology. “Every day we’re making improvements,” Adrian explains. They’ve joined the Porsche Partner Network (PPN), allowing them to service new models under warranty—rare for independents.

Their focus on modernisation includes a growing interest in bespoke builds. “If I had the chance, I wouldn’t go to a showroom,” Adrian confesses. “I’d come here and have a car built exactly the way I want it: my colours, my spec, my journey.”

The Final Word on Williams Crawford

For Williams Crawford, it’s not just about selling cars or parts—it’s about delivering the complete Porsche experience. Whether restoring a classic 911, upgrading a 996, or creating a bespoke build, this Design911 partnership provides expert support and top-tier components.

As Adrian puts it: “Our customers are brilliant—they share our love for Porsche, and that’s what keeps us going.” Want to enhance your own Porsche? Explore Design911’s catalogue and take the first step towards your next project.