>What was truly unique about the cams was that there were two sets of lobes for each cylinder. One set of lobes optimized the operation of the engine valves at high power settings

VTEC, yo. In in the 1940s no less.

There's tons of tech that was well understood for WW2 aviation that finds its way back into land transportation given enough time. Adding water and alcohol blends to the intake charge to reduce temperature and prevent detonation, ABS, Fuel injection, probably other stuff as well.