Rex McCandless was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland and, when his father emigrated to Canada, the teenage Rex became the family bread winner. In the early thirties he moved to England to earn money but returned to Belfast just before the outbreak of war. In partnership with his brother Cromie, he developed the Featherbed motorbike frame which became highly successful for Norton, in competition and on the road. He also worked with fellow Ulsterman and tractor maker, Harry Ferguson. Although largely self taught, he was a highly innovative engineer and worked on a wide range of projects including four wheel drive, four wheel steer and the use of engines as stressed members (a decade before Chapman and Cosworth developed the idea for the Lotus 49).

In 1953 Rex built two 500cc cars of his own design featuring a forward mounted Norton engine, four wheel drive, transmission braking and handlebar steering. The enclosed body-work was in sharp contrast to the torpedo style employed by most constructors. The driver sat very low alongside the backbone of the frame.

The car made quite a stir on its debut but, in truth, the additional weight and complexity would have outweighed any aerodynamic or traction advantages.

Rex leads John Habin in the Staride, during the Earl of March Trophy, Goodwood, April 1953. He would finish eighth in a quality field.

Picture courtesy of Autosport.

March 1955 at Kirkistown where he finished 3rd behind Bueb and Parker. Picture courtesy of Autosport.

Another shot of Rex from Goodwood April 1953.

Rex continued inventing all through his life and was instrumental in the development of the Autogyro, his biography "To Make a Better Mousetrap", was written by R.L. Jennings and published in 2003. Copies may be obtained from R.L Jennings at www.jenningspublishing.co.uk