1946
Willie Drake began in the engine reconditioning business with a lathe and a franchise for Cords piston rings, operating from a garage on Bedford Street in Bradford.
1951
Business success led Willie to move to a corner shop on Bridge Street. The company's first brand new delivery van was purchased - a Ford with an 8 HP engine.
1955
The business expanded to include crankshaft grinding with a new Prince crank grinder. Additional services included white metallizing, valve seat cutting, and Van Norman boring bars.
1967
Willie Drake retired, passing the business to his son Alan, who relocated to Heaton Road, Manningham and invested in advanced machinery, including Shou vertical and line borers.
1977
The business moved to Valley Road, still within view of Bradford City football ground. Each relocation brought expansion, with additional machinery.
1991
W Drake relocated to new premises, 200 yards from the original Bedford Street site. Business operations were split 50/50 between commercial and private car work.
1997
The stores system was fully computerised with MAM software handling invoicing, stock control, wages, and VAT returns.
2000
Continuous machinery upgrades established W. Drake as a leading re-manufacturer, earning “CONCORD” status from the Federation of Engine Re-Manufacturers.
2020
With James McEvoy, Willie Drake’s great grandson, now as MD, W Drake is a family business with many years’ experience, consistently delivering high quality work.
