Bill Watkins

[Cargirl]

We have lost our biggest Arnolt-Bristol fan. I will surely miss him and his humor.

BILL WATKINS (10/2/1930 - 4/21/2021)
In the early days at LeMans the driver had to be capable of repairing his car during the race. Bill Watkins would have fit in perfectly because at the races he was under his car as often as he was in it. As an innovative designer and builder of amusement park rides, including Disneyland's Space Mountain, he had an amazing talent with exotic machinery. He was the guy to go to for information on Bristol (nee BMW) engines. Bill was a loyal non-member of Fabulous Fifties and rarely missed an event.

That's him poking his head between Gonzales and Fangio

[John Simmons]

Thank you for this remembrance for Bill. I had known Bill by correspondence since the early 1980's and was fortunate to be able to meet him at the Lime Rock festival. Even though he no longer owned an Arnolt-Bristol, he still had a keen interest with the rest of our group and kept the marque registry for us. I know he will be missed by everyone who has known him.

[DECLERCK]

Very, very sad news for the whole 'Bristol- engined- cars' community. I owe him my passion for Bristol engined cars. I still own his AB 3069 and enjoy it very much. I will always remember that HE owned and raced it. Great person !! What a pity !! I wish to pronounce my deepest condolences to his Family and close relatives !! Renaat from Belgium