Automotive Distribution Centre LTD, trading as FAI Automotive, has its roots in motorsport, where precision, technical expertise, and logistical excellence are essential. Founded by Ian Walker, a semi-professional racing and rally driver (1956–1962), FAI’s commitment to high performance and quality stems from decades of engineering passion.
After retiring from racing, Ian Walker established Ian Walker Racing (IWR), a professional four-car race team that competed across Europe and North America. The team achieved significant success and featured legendary drivers such as Jimmy Clark, Graham Hill, and Jackie Stewart.
Following IWR’s closure in 1968, Walker transitioned into high-performance car servicing with Ian Walker Service, specializing in Lotus vehicles and developing performance parts like camshafts, cylinder heads, manifolds, and competition engines.
By 1974, the company expanded into engine reconditioning for road cars, sourcing parts outside traditional networks. This led to the creation of a dedicated range of engine components for the engine reconditioning industry.
In 1976, FAI Automotive officially launched its first aftermarket product line, starting with just 8 categories and 135 part numbers in a modest 2,250 sq. ft. facility.
Today, FAI operates from a state-of-the-art 110,000 sq. ft. distribution centre, stocking:
40,000+ part numbers
25+ product lines
Components for 100+ vehicle manufacturers
An average inventory of 5 million automotive parts
FAI continues to invest heavily in its aftermarket product portfolio:
Gaskets & Head Bolts: 2,000+ part numbers introduced since 2015
Steering & Suspension: Over 5,000 part numbers
Timing Chain Kits: Market-leading content & vehicle coverage
Lucas Glow Plugs: Sole UK authorised distributor (150+ part numbers)
New product lines including Sump Pans, Torsional Vibration Dampers, and Oil Control Valves
Our success is built on six key principles:
Technical Excellence
Premium Quality Automotive Parts
Outstanding Value for Money
High Picking Accuracy (98%+)
Comprehensive Cataloguing
Exceptional Customer Support
From a motorsport garage to a global automotive parts distributor, FAI Automotive combines heritage, technical knowledge, and a commitment to excellence to serve the aftermarket car parts industry in the UK and worldwide.
The Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 is a prestigious award that ranks the highest achieving UK companies based on international growth. FAI is lucky enough to win it for the second year in a row and ranked 183rd in the league table.
During the month of November 2018, FAI launch a brand new range featuring 200 references; covering 85% vehicle parc for popular European & Asian manufacturers and provides bearings for 42,000 application variants.
The Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 is a prestigious award that ranks the highest achieving UK companies based on international growth. FAI is ranked 143rd in an article published in the Sunday times, which is viewed by 3 million readers; a figure that encompasses 54% of the business elite audience.
FAI has been specifically recognised for the outstanding growth in International Trade, one of four categories within the Queen’s Award for Enterprise program. An awards dinner was held where HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis proudly presented the award to the staff of FAI.
FAI launches a range of top quality Torsional Vibration Dampers complementing their other bottom engine products.
FAI continues to expand its product offering with Oil Sump Pans as this compliments many existing ranges.
Due to the massive success of Timing Chain Kits, FAI introduce a new range of Oil Control Valves.
FAI achieve the milestone of selling 1,000,000 steering parts in a 12 month period, a first for themselves.
FAI introduce a range of Timing Chain Kits that soon explodes to over 400 references and sees FAI positioned as the leader in the Aftermarket.
The company overcame a fire at its warehouse where 1.4 million pounds worth of damage was caused by the fire. FAI didn’t miss a day of operation and came back strong from this huge event.
FAI launch their online catalogue which has continued to improve and make an easier platform for customers.
FAI begin listing their products on Tecdoc and achieve an A rating as a data supplier.
FAI are appointed the Lucas Diesel distributor for European markets.
FAI introduces the first laser welded head gaskets to range.
FAI launch their online presence, the website growing as the years progress.
FAI receive their ISO accreditation
FAI’s premises grew from 2,250 square feet to over 67,500 feet, slowly taking over the trading estate unit by unit.
FAI partner with Goodyear Engineered Product to be the UK distributor. This partnership lasted up until 2012.
FAI add the first of many MLS gaskets to the range, the first part number being HG907.
Blue Flash Products becomes FAI and extends its business.
FAI = Flexatherm Automotive International.
Blue Flash Products develops itself as a reputable brand for engine rebuilding and associated products.
Blue Flash Products commence engine re-conditioning for road cars.
Ian Walker Racing began its transition into Blue Flash.
The birth of Ian Walker Racing Limited.
Ian Walker’s first major rally.