A CO Down inventor famed for revolutionising the motorcycle world has been honoured with a blue plaque.
The tribute was unveiled in Belfast yesterday to Rex McCandless, a renowned motorbike racer who transformed the structure of the vehicle, with his design forming the base of most modern bikes.
It was his creation of the featherbed motorcycle frame in 1949 that made him a household name, but the development of the McCandless racing car and the gyroplane are among his many other achievements.
Northern Ireland motorbike racer Jeremy McWilliams yesterday unveiled the Ulster History Circle plaque in honour of the inventor at WAC McCandless (Engineering) Limited on Limestone Road.
The historic McCandless Racing Car and a vintage Featherbed Norton motorcycle were on display at the event.
Born in 1915 in Hillsborough, his family moved to Belfast during in the 1930s and set up an excavator and heavy repair business.
A motorcycle enthusiast, Mr McCandless recognised that the pre-war machines with their hard frames and suspension that broke easily and were difficult to handle over the rough Irish roads.
The self-taught engineer realised smoother handling was more effective than simply increasing speed and he developed a frame, which set new standards in steering and road-holding - changing the face of motorcycle racing.
The 'Featherbed' included a frame which was stiffer and thicker than other motorbikes of the time.
The Norton Motorcycle Company was impressed with his creation and commissioned McCandless's work. The first time the bike appeared in 1950, it won the TT races.
In the mid-1950s he moved into four wheels and designed two aluminum-bodied racing cars for Harry Ferguson. He also raced and won several road races and hill climb championships with his car.
He experimented with aviation, learning to fly from Newtownards airport. Using a Triumph motorcycle engine, he created the McCandless Autogyro, a one-man portable helicopter.
He died in 1992 and is buried in Killough, Co Down.
Chris Spurr from the Ulster History Circle said: "Rex McCandless excelled as an engineer and inventor, particularly in the areas of motor sport and aviation.
"The development of the Featherbed motorcycle frame, the McCandless racing car and the gyroplane are amongst his many achievements.
"The Ulster History Circle is delighted to commemorate this remarkable innovator with a blue plaque on the premises where he was in business."
