THE famous Bowden Motor Cycle is on show at Pendine's Museum of Speed for the first time this summer.

It was made between 1903-1904 in Belgium by the Fabrique Nationale company to advertise how brake wires invented by Ernest Bowden could be used on motor cycles.

Ernest Bowden (1860 -1904) was an enthusiastic cyclist who competed in many events.

He began riding wooden-wheeled Boneshakers, then Penny-farthings. Bowden later rode the safety bicycle and the motor cycle.

The Bowden Company went on to become a major manufacturer of cable for cars and many other uses.

Bowden cable was made in Llanelli from 1963 until the company relocated to the Czech Republic in 2006.

The motor cycle is now on show at the Museum of Speed, overlooking Pendine's magnificent beach.

Record breaking cars - including Babs, the most famous of them all that Parry Thomas raced to the world record in 1926 - and early motorcycles can be seen at the museum.

Museums in Carmarthenshire are owned and managed by the county council.

Executive Board member Clr. Gwynne Wooldridge said: "The Museum of Speed is well worth a visit, it is in an excellent location and houses some fascinating cars and motor cycles.

"We are really pleased to have the Bowden Motor Cycle on show for the first time this summer."

Entry to the museum is free and it is open every day throughout the summer months.