Born and raised in Ireland, McMurtry began his engineering journey in the UK in 1958. His career took off as the assistant chief of engine design at Rolls-Royce, where he worked on the RB199 engine for the Tornado fighter jet and later contributed to the Concorde project.
When faced with a measurement challenge, McMurtry invented the touch trigger probe, which led to the founding of Renishaw in 1973. This invention revolutionized precision engineering and has become essential in various industries. Renishaw now employs over 5,000 people and has expanded into fields like additive manufacturing and aerospace.
- Advancements in medical technology
- Innovations in aerospace
- Projects involving smartphones and EV batteries
- Contributions to Team GB's Olympic bikes and the Bloodhound land speed record
McMurtry Automotive was born from his passion for sporty, agile cars, leading to the creation of the radical Spéirling, a single-seater marvel. Even at 81, Sir David was hands-on, personally test-driving the prototype. This car, whose name means "thunderstorm" in homage to his Irish roots, continues to break records globally.
McMurtry’s legacy is immortalized through his innovations and the revolutionary car that bears his name, marking a lifetime of design excellence and innovation.
Summary: Sir David McMurtry, an eminent engineer and innovator, transformed the fields of engineering and automotive design. His journey from Rolls-Royce to founding Renishaw and McMurtry Automotive leaves a lasting impact, epitomized by the groundbreaking Spéirling.
 | While Sir David McMurtry accomplished a lot, I wonder if McMurtry Automotive can truly thrive without his direct leadership and vision. |
 | Sir David McMurtry's passing is a significant loss for the engineering and automotive communities. His innovations changed the industry forever. |
