George Wade founder of Wade Camshafts, achieved a speed of 87 mph on a Douglas OB25 (1925 model) in 1935. Upgrading to a Douglas OW1, (one of only two in Australia at the time), George, an apprentice motor mechanic, modified this cycle by fitting twin carburetors and adapting the camshaft by hand, with the following timing: Exhaust opens 80 deg. BBDC closes 50 deg. ATDC, inlet opens 50 deg. BTDC closes 80 deg. ABDC and lift of 0.375" hence the first Wade Camshaft was created. In 1939 George set the fastest time of 118.4 mph at Bakers Beach, Tasmania.

During the mid 1950's George Wade was involved in the preparation of Stan Jones' "Maybach" racing car being responsible for much of the engine development. As cam grinding machines  were non-existent, a crankshaft grinder was used to make the hand generated template for this cam. Hence the second Wade Camshaft was created.

Following a trip to America in 1956 George Wade recommended that Repco Ltd design and build their own machine. Together with Eddie Stratman, he took on the brief of designing the camshaft grinding machine that was later manufactured by Repco Power.

In 1962 Geo.Wade Camshaft Engineering was founded (later Wade Cams) and history continued to be made. Jack Brabham (1966 in a BT23) and Danny Hume (1967 in a BT24) won the Formula 1  World Championship in the Repco Brabham, using a Wade Cam.

Wade Cams were also utilised by many winners of
" King of the Mountain" at Bathurst, some of these were:

•1965 Seton / Bosworth - Cortina - 500
•1972 Brock - Torana XU-1
•1975 Brock / Sampson - Torana
•1976 Morris / Fitzpatrick - Torana SLR
•1978 Brock / Richards - Torana
•1979 Brock / Richards - Torana
•1980 Brock / Richards Commodore
•1982 Brock / Perkins - Commodore
•1983 Brock / Harvey / Perkins - Commodore
•1984 Brock / Perkins - Commodore

Wade Cams also produced camshafts for the E38 and E49 Chrysler, Holden XU-1
Walkinshaw VL group A Commodore and Nissan Skyline GTS1 and GTS2
special vehicles. In addition, the 'control' cams for the "HQ" Holden
Formula Vee and "Sportsman" class are currently supplied by Wade Cams.
They are still working to provide you with the winning edge.

Wade Cams....forward thinking.....engineering development company..... produce camshafts for all types of industry.....now celebrate over 47 years of engineering excellence.....

For information on how to obtain our Cam Catalogue Contact Wade Cams here

Testimonial from Peter Glover and Peter Burke  Redex Re-Run winners