Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 21st July from 1pm
Auction: Wed 22th July from 10am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
Registration No: LXW 159Frame No: RC7485MOT: Exempt
Three owners from new
Fitted with electronic ignition, an alternator, a Grosset starter and more
In intermittent use while in the Chris Harris Collection
The Vincent story began with Phil Vincent's purchase of the HRD name in 1928, initially producing bikes using proprietary engines in his own chassis. Always the innovator, by 1935 he had developed his own 500cc single-cylinder Comet model, followed in 1936 by the 1, 000cc V-twin Rapide. These became the mainstay of production until 1955. From 1948, a more highly tuned V-twin powered the Black Shadow—the fastest production bike in the world at the time, and perhaps the most coveted object on two wheels, even today. Unfortunately, heavy losses led to the company’s closure in 1955, and the demise of some of the greatest motorcycles ever. Introduced in 1948, the Series C models were the first Rapides with Girdraulic front forks, a Vincent design which combined traditional girder forks with hydraulic damping.
This Series C Rapide was originally sold through Conway Motors on March 15th, 1951, to a Mr. Bird, who kept it until November 16th, 1987, when he sold it a Mr. Whiting, a friend of the late owner, Mr. Chris Harris. Mr. Whiting sold it to Mr. Harris in 2010, and it has subsequently resided in his significant private motorcycle collection. Mr. Whiting was responsible for much work and some upgrades, including a Hills centre stand, electronic ignition, an Alton alternator and a Grosset electric starter. The Vincent has been used intermittently this century, and the mileage presently stands at 1, 696, having been 91, 445 in 2012. The sale includes assorted receipts, and original workshop and parts manuals. We have been advised that the upper frame member may not be the original one but may have been replaced by the factory in period; we have further been advised that all numbers look correct. The V5C is supplied.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people)
