LOT 348
1951 Vincent 998cc Rapide Registration no. LXY 35 (see text) Frame no. RC8316B Rear Frame no. RC7402 (see text) Engine no. F10AB/1/5502 Crankcase mating no's. KK55 / KK55 (see text)
Sold for £26,450 inc. premium
Lot 348
1951 Vincent 998cc RapideRegistration no. LXY 35 (see text) Frame no. RC8316B Rear Frame no. RC7402 (see text) Engine no. F10AB/1/5502 Crankcase mating no's. KK55 / KK55 (see text)
The Autumn Stafford Sale: The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|20 October 2019, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1951 Vincent 998cc Rapide
Registration no. LXY 35 (see text)
Frame no. RC8316B Rear Frame no. RC7402 (see text)
Engine no. F10AB/1/5502 Crankcase mating no's. KK55 / KK55 (see text)
Registration no. LXY 35 (see text)
Frame no. RC8316B Rear Frame no. RC7402 (see text)
Engine no. F10AB/1/5502 Crankcase mating no's. KK55 / KK55 (see text)
• An older restoration
• Laid up since circa 2002
• Present ownership since 2012
Ever since the Series A's arrival in 1937, the Vincent v-twin has been synonymous with design innovation, engineering excellence and superlative high performance. Philip Vincent's machines bristled with innovative features while the finish was to a very high standard commensurate with the cost of the machine, which was virtually double that of any of its contemporaries. But above all else it was the v-twin's stupendous performance that captivated motorcyclists, whether they could afford one or not. With a top speed approaching 120mph, and bettering it in the Black Shadow's case, the Vincent v-twin was the fastest road vehicle of its day.
This Series-C Rapide was purchased by the immediately preceding lady and gentleman owners - both active members of the Vincent Owners Club - in December 1997 from Mr C J Biggenden, who had bought it from a Mr P A Noble in January 1987. There is correspondence on file between Messrs Biggenden and Noble concerning the change of upper frame (originally 'RC7402' and now 'RC8316B'). One of these letters refers to the Vincent being rebuilt by a previous owner, who may well have fitted the matching Smiths 150mph speedometer and tachometer, and the Amal Mk1 Concentric carburettors.
Mr Biggenden was obviously a dedicated enthusiast, keeping a detailed log of all faults, maintenance and routine servicing, together with mileage, which consists of 17 typed A4 pages (close inspection recommended). This record runs from purchase in January 1987 (at 386 miles) to July 1997, by which time Mr Biggenden had covered some 17,700 miles on the Vincent. It would appear that the Rapide covered a further 4,000 miles (the current odometer reading is 22,701) before being laid up following the then lady vendor's partner's death around 17 years ago.
The current vendor purchased the Rapide at Bonhams' Oxford Sale in June 2012 (Lot 153), since when it has not been used. Accompanying documentation consists of various bills of sale, a quantity of invoices, and eight MoTs (most recent expired 1998). Re-commissioning and the customary safety checks are advised before returning this machine to the road following its lengthy period of inactivity.
We are advised by the Vincent Owners Club that the numbers of the upper frame and rear frame are non-factory stampings. Accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the composition, suitability and authenticity of the machine's components as well as the validity of the vehicle registration number prior to bidding. Offered with old/current V5C Registration Certificates.
• Laid up since circa 2002
• Present ownership since 2012
Ever since the Series A's arrival in 1937, the Vincent v-twin has been synonymous with design innovation, engineering excellence and superlative high performance. Philip Vincent's machines bristled with innovative features while the finish was to a very high standard commensurate with the cost of the machine, which was virtually double that of any of its contemporaries. But above all else it was the v-twin's stupendous performance that captivated motorcyclists, whether they could afford one or not. With a top speed approaching 120mph, and bettering it in the Black Shadow's case, the Vincent v-twin was the fastest road vehicle of its day.
This Series-C Rapide was purchased by the immediately preceding lady and gentleman owners - both active members of the Vincent Owners Club - in December 1997 from Mr C J Biggenden, who had bought it from a Mr P A Noble in January 1987. There is correspondence on file between Messrs Biggenden and Noble concerning the change of upper frame (originally 'RC7402' and now 'RC8316B'). One of these letters refers to the Vincent being rebuilt by a previous owner, who may well have fitted the matching Smiths 150mph speedometer and tachometer, and the Amal Mk1 Concentric carburettors.
Mr Biggenden was obviously a dedicated enthusiast, keeping a detailed log of all faults, maintenance and routine servicing, together with mileage, which consists of 17 typed A4 pages (close inspection recommended). This record runs from purchase in January 1987 (at 386 miles) to July 1997, by which time Mr Biggenden had covered some 17,700 miles on the Vincent. It would appear that the Rapide covered a further 4,000 miles (the current odometer reading is 22,701) before being laid up following the then lady vendor's partner's death around 17 years ago.
The current vendor purchased the Rapide at Bonhams' Oxford Sale in June 2012 (Lot 153), since when it has not been used. Accompanying documentation consists of various bills of sale, a quantity of invoices, and eight MoTs (most recent expired 1998). Re-commissioning and the customary safety checks are advised before returning this machine to the road following its lengthy period of inactivity.
We are advised by the Vincent Owners Club that the numbers of the upper frame and rear frame are non-factory stampings. Accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the composition, suitability and authenticity of the machine's components as well as the validity of the vehicle registration number prior to bidding. Offered with old/current V5C Registration Certificates.
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
