Weslake history

Weslake Research and Development was founded by Harry Weslake, a cylinder head specialist who had been instrumental in modifying the side valve Standard engine used in the first SS (later to become Jaguar) Sports Car. He also designed the cylinder head for the overhead valve version of the Morris series A engine that was used in the Morris 1000 and the Mini. He was involved in the design of every Jaguar engine up to and including the V12 of the early 1970´s. He also designed the Straight-4s engines for the 1958 Vanwall Formula One Grand Prix Car, an engine that was using a lot of technology and experience from a single-cylinder Norton motorcycle engine. The Vanwall car went on to win the 1958 F1 constructors cup.

In 1966 Dan Gurney commissioned Weslake Engineering to build an Aubrey Woods designed 3.0 litre V12 Formula One engine for his 1967 Eagle T1G. Their efforts produced a V12 that was smooth and powerful. Gurney won the Race of Champions at Brands Hatch, a non-championship event, and the 1967 Belgian Grand Prix with the Eagle-Weslake V12 engine. Weslake now have two divisions. Weslake Air services is run by Harry Weslakes stepson. Weslake Air Services designs and takes to prototype stage aircraft engines especially diesel-powered engines as used in airships and light aircraft. They are at the leading edge of design and world leaders in this field.

The main Weslake Factory now concentrate on specialized aero engine design and development however following increasing requests for services covering Weslake past projects in particular on the Motorsport side The Weslake Heritage has been launched to look after their needs.