Description
This motorcycle is Lot 300 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).
** 1949 Vincent-HRD 998cc Rapide Series C**
Registration no. JFD 834
Frame no. RC3983 (see text) Rear frame no. RC3983 (see text)
Engine no. F10AB/ 1/ 2083
** Crankcase Mating Numbers. V9 / V9**
• Engine rebuilt by Glyn Johnson to Black Shadow specification
• Long term ownership by VOC member
• Twin Five-inch speedometer and tachometer
• Many stainless-steel fittings
Vincent introduced the Series B Rapide in 1947, and when various improvements were incorporated into the model in 1949, it was redesignated the Series C. During the transition period, probably to use up stocks of parts, many machines left the factory with a mixture of B and C components. As an early Series C model, JFD 834 is one of those transitional machines. It was purchased by the private vendor in approximately 1963/ 64. He used the machine for a few months to commute to and from work, and then retired the Rapide to the garage for future attention. It stayed in the garage until a slow restoration began in the early 1980s, and finished in the late 1980s. The owner had stripped and rebuilt the machine himself. The bike was then used occasionally, until he decided that further work was required, and over a period from approximately 2007 to 2009 more work was done, including a rebuilt dynamo, and a complete engine rebuild by Glyn Johnson to Black Shadow specification (invoice on file), attending to any aspects which required attention. Other items of note fitted to the Rapide are Black Shadow-type brake drums front and rear; twin five-inch speedometer and tachometer; stainless steel mudguards, stainless steel spokes; Norton clutch conversion, and braided hoses. Since completion of the latest engine rebuild, the Rapide has covered very few occasional miles, and the vendor advises that the engine is still in the running-in phase.
Since acquisition of JFD 834 by the present owner in c. 1964, the vendor advises that it has retained all the same major components. However, on inspection prior to this sale, it has come to light that in addition to the documented upper frame number (RC3983) there is a second number on the steering head which reads R3750B. The rear frame member is numbered RC3983, although faint and hard to read (please see photos online). We have referred this to the Vincent Owners Club for their opinion, and they have confirmed that the works order form contains a note stating 'repaired RFM re-numbered'. The RFM type (i. e. Series C) is the later type, which is believed to have first appeared in June 1949, but this machine was despatched 25th May 1949. Regarding the Upper frame numbers, they have stated that:
'Both frame numbers on the UFM could be factory stamped but due to two numbers on the headstock I cannot say it was factory done or not, but what is clear is somebody restamped the UFM. I doubt the factory would have used a UFM headstock with two different numbers clearly visible on it, especially as they would have known the importance of frame numbers when registering a machine.'
Accordingly, prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the originality and authenticity of the machine and its component parts prior to bidding.
Documentation comprises a current V5C, an old V5C, two old-type V5s, a continuation green RF60 dated 1966, a quantity of invoices/ receipts, expired MoT certificates, a Richardson maintenance book, and a large quantity of sundry papers.
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.
