In September 1972, Wayne and Judy Pilkey opened up business as "Wayne's Fina" Gas and Service station at 1181 Dundas street across from McCormicks factory in London Ontario.
Wayne, growing up in the 60's, always loved working on cars, and in 1969 even began to race them at Delaware Speedway and Nilestown. The service station offered an extension to his hobby into helping him make a living.
He became a name not only on the race track world, but in London with his service station, many people were excited to have him work on their cars so they would receive a "I was tuned up by Wayne's Fina" sticker under the hood!
In 1975 the Pilkeys extended their services into Car Sales as well as their family by having their one and only son Wayne Jr.
Wayne (Sr) continued his racing career until 1984 having raced Super Modified, Diamond Class Late model, Compact and finally Super Late model before retiring his racing career.
In 1993 the business was growing fast and they moved the business from downtown London to the east end onto Falcon Street.
Wayne Jr picked up the race fever in 1995 racing Street Stock, Open Wheeled modified and finally late model. He was even Track Champ for 2 years (1999 and 2000) and Rookie of the year for Open wheel modified in 2002. Wayne Sr was there every step of the way as the Pilkey men loved the challenge of always making the car faster with Judy feeding the hungry men at the track every Friday night.
In 2004 Wayne Jr decided to leave his career as a Tool and Die maker and join forces with his parents and together the Pilkeys continued with Car Sales and service on Wharncliffe Rd. South in London.
They had many successful years in London but in 2012 found themselves in the peaceful and quiet community of Mount Brydges, 15 mins west of London. There they have since remained!
Classic Cars have always been part of Pilkeys, but Wayne and Judy believe Wayne Jr really took it to another level since joining the business. Buying, building, fixing and flipping Classics, he truly loves finding the diamond in the rough!
Wayne Sr has more recently let up on rebuilding the whole car and been focused on engine building now. His new toy? A engine run stand! He can show off his work before the purchaser agrees to buy. Yes.. even at 75 years of age Wayne Sr is STILL part the business and never stands still. Judy his bride of 54 years has always been and still is in the office making sure the business (and her boys) are always running smoothly and effectively. Now she also brings her new little side kick Lucy (a Morkie pup) in to keep her company and greeting customers.
In 2022 Wayne Jr wanted to expand the business and got connected with suppliers to open up a Speed Shop Corner. His passion for all things fast and beautiful and connections with those suppliers bring it all together now. With the knowledge and skills of over 50 years experience on and off the race track and playing with Old Classics... the Pilkeys continue to help others with their passion and knowledge!
