Description
This motorcycle is Lot 299 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on April 25th & 26th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 94 are to be sold from 14:30 on Saturday 25th April 2026.
Lots 201 - 353 are to be sold from 11:30am on Sunday 26th April 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 25th & 26th April 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
Property of a deceased's estate
** 1956 Vincent 998cc Rapide Series D**
Registration no. SGX 134
Frame no. unnumbered (see text) Rear Frame no. RD12979
Engine no. F10AB/ 2/ 11079
** Crankcase mating no. K6V / K6V**
Information supplied by the Vincent Owners Club (VOC) confirms that crankcase mating number 'K6V' corresponds with engine 'F10AB/ 2/ 11079' and that rear frame member 'RD12979' is recorded as belonging to that engine. The VOC advises that the engine number, crankcase mating numbers and rear frame number appear factory correct, identifying the machine as a late-1955 Series-D Rapide.
Rear frame number 'RD12979' places this machine within approximately the final 60 Series-D Rapides produced. No upper frame number has been identified on inspection. The Vincent Owners Club has been consulted and it would seem that the upper frame has been replaced with a blank one at some time, possibly following an accident. It is not known why the upper frame has remained unnumbered or whether an original upper frame number is still in existence. As such bidders should satisfy themselves as to the validity of the VRN relating to the machine.
Although built in late 1955, 'SGX 134' was first registered on 4th January 1956, which is entirely consistent with factory production and dealership practice of the period. Series-D models were sometimes slow to sell and could remain in dealers' stock for some time prior to registration; indeed, examples are known to have first been registered as late as 1957.
The Rapide offered here was acquired by the late owner on 14th January 2005. The accompanying old-style V5C registration document records three former keepers; the most recent prior to the late vendor was Vincent enthusiast Ron Kemp of Llandrindod Wells, who acquired the machine on 3rd November 1998. Also on file is an old-style V5 document dated 1990, listing George Watson of Peterhead as the registered keeper at that time. This document records the last change of keeper in 1983 and notes one former keeper since July 1979 (again naming George Watson, albeit at a different address).
The Vincent currently displays a total of 8, 587 miles on the odometer and carries a tax disc dated May 1976 for the registration 'SGX 134' (the machine's original number). It is fitted with a centre-stand and engine protection bars. An MOT certificate dated October 1990 is on file together with photographs; a reprint of the Vincent Motorcycle Spare Parts List; photocopies of HRD instruction sheets; a photocopy of the aforementioned V5 registration document; and an original Vincent Rider's Handbook. It is not known when the machine was last started or ridden, but the engine does turn over and has compression. Recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration will be required before further use and thus this motorcycle is sold strictly as viewed. No battery is currently fitted.
Offered with key
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
