LOT 343
1949 Vincent-HRD 998cc Series-C Rapide Registration no. LKO 567 Frame no. RC4094 Rear Frame No. RC4094 Engine no. F10AB/1/2194 Crankcase Nos. V73 / V73
Sold for £29,900 inc. premium
Lot 343
1949 Vincent-HRD 998cc Series-C RapideRegistration no. LKO 567 Frame no. RC4094 Rear Frame No. RC4094 Engine no. F10AB/1/2194 Crankcase Nos. V73 / V73
The Autumn Stafford Sale: The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|20 October 2019, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1949 Vincent-HRD 998cc Series-C Rapide
Registration no. LKO 567
Frame no. RC4094 Rear Frame No. RC4094
Engine no. F10AB/1/2194 Crankcase Nos. V73 / V73
Registration no. LKO 567
Frame no. RC4094 Rear Frame No. RC4094
Engine no. F10AB/1/2194 Crankcase Nos. V73 / V73
All matching-numbers example
• Present family ownership for over 40 years
• Early Series-C 'transition' model
• Unrestored
Post war, Phil Vincent and designer Phil Irving, who had returned to the company during the war years, laid down the details of the new post war V-twin to replace the pre-war series A; their ambition for the model was that it would live up to their proposed advertising strapline for the machine of 'The World's fastest standard Motorcycle!'. Introduced in 1946 the Rapide was certainly fast, but it soon became clear to Vincent that a tuned version would be required to further enhance the marque, and the Black Shadow was announced in the early part of 1948. After only approximately one year the Series B machines were supplanted by the Series-C bikes with Girdraulic forks, replacing the Brampton girders, and a modified rear frame member.
'LKO 567' was purchased by a family member during the 1960s. It displays a 1967 road fund licence, but it is not known for how long, if at all, it was used by the owner prior to that time. When gifted to the present owners, the exhaust system and timing cover were detached, and the outrigger plate, camshafts, and idler gear had been removed (all still with the machine).
Factory records show that this machine was supplied to a dealer named Redhill in Kent during May 1949. The accompanying continuation RF60 buff log book, issued in June 1960, records the date of first registration as 23rd June 1949. The Series-C models were only introduced in April, with frame number RC4048, making this machine one of the first 50 Series-Cs, and one of the 'transition' models when the factory were still using up stocks of series-B parts and HRD-labelled castings. Indeed, the crankcases, rocker caps, and petrol tank of this machine all still display the HRD logo.
This Rapide will require some re-commissioning or restoration before use by a new owner, and its originality would lend itself to a sympathetic re-commissioning or renovation to preserve the originality, forming a unique opportunity for the new owner. Documentation accompanying 'LKO 567' comprises the aforementioned RF60 buff log book, and attached Road Fund Licence expiring October 1967, together with a rider's handbook.
• Present family ownership for over 40 years
• Early Series-C 'transition' model
• Unrestored
Post war, Phil Vincent and designer Phil Irving, who had returned to the company during the war years, laid down the details of the new post war V-twin to replace the pre-war series A; their ambition for the model was that it would live up to their proposed advertising strapline for the machine of 'The World's fastest standard Motorcycle!'. Introduced in 1946 the Rapide was certainly fast, but it soon became clear to Vincent that a tuned version would be required to further enhance the marque, and the Black Shadow was announced in the early part of 1948. After only approximately one year the Series B machines were supplanted by the Series-C bikes with Girdraulic forks, replacing the Brampton girders, and a modified rear frame member.
'LKO 567' was purchased by a family member during the 1960s. It displays a 1967 road fund licence, but it is not known for how long, if at all, it was used by the owner prior to that time. When gifted to the present owners, the exhaust system and timing cover were detached, and the outrigger plate, camshafts, and idler gear had been removed (all still with the machine).
Factory records show that this machine was supplied to a dealer named Redhill in Kent during May 1949. The accompanying continuation RF60 buff log book, issued in June 1960, records the date of first registration as 23rd June 1949. The Series-C models were only introduced in April, with frame number RC4048, making this machine one of the first 50 Series-Cs, and one of the 'transition' models when the factory were still using up stocks of series-B parts and HRD-labelled castings. Indeed, the crankcases, rocker caps, and petrol tank of this machine all still display the HRD logo.
This Rapide will require some re-commissioning or restoration before use by a new owner, and its originality would lend itself to a sympathetic re-commissioning or renovation to preserve the originality, forming a unique opportunity for the new owner. Documentation accompanying 'LKO 567' comprises the aforementioned RF60 buff log book, and attached Road Fund Licence expiring October 1967, together with a rider's handbook.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Additional information
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- 19 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 20 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
