Property of a deceased's estate, 1951 Vincent 998cc Series-C Rapide

Registration no. MKF 260 Frame no. RC10090 Rear Frame no. RC10090 Engine no. F10AB/1/8190 Crankcase mating no's. XX80 / XX80

• Originally built to 'touring' specification
• An older restoration
• Requires re-commissioning

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. From Rollie Free's capture of the 'world's fastest production motorcycle' record in 1948 on a tuned 'Series B' Black Shadow to the final fully enclosed 'Series D' Black Knight and Black Prince, Philip Vincent's stress on appearance and performance is legendary. His machines bristled with innovative features including adjustable footrests, brake pedal, seat height and gear-change lever. 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.

In 1948 the Vincent range began to be up-dated from 'Series B' to 'Series C' specification. The most significant changes made concerned the suspension, there being a revised arrangement at the rear incorporating curved lugs for the seat stays and an hydraulic damper between the spring boxes, while at the front the new models boasted Vincent's own 'Girdraulic' fork: a blade-type girder fitted with twin hydraulic dampers. These advances began to find their way onto production models during 1948 but it would be 1950 before all Vincents left the factory in 'Series C' specification.

This matching-numbers Rapide comes with a copy of its Works Record Card revealing that it was originally built with touring handlebars; black steel mudguards; 3.50x19" front and 4.00x18" rear wheels; and sidecar equipment. Completed in December 1951, it was despatched to Reynolds in Liverpool that same month. The machine has since been restored to what might be termed 'mainstream' specification, while noteworthy non-standard features include battery/coil ignition; a Black Shadow-type Smiths 150mph speedometer; and a Series D centre stand. Unfortunately, it is not known how long the Vincent has been in the deceased owner's private collection or when it was last used. The most recent of four old MoTs on file expired in 1993 and the late owner's maintenance notes were last updated in 2017. Unused for some considerable time, the machine will require recommissioning or restoration to a greater or lesser extent and is sold strictly as viewed. Accordingly, prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the condition and completeness prior to bidding. Offered with a current V5C document.