LOT 697
1954 Vincent 998cc Series-C Rapide Registration no. LMR 252 Frame no. RC12109/B Rear Frame no. RC12109/B Engine no. F10AB/1/10209 Crankcase Mating no. D7V/D7V
Sold for £35,650 inc. premium
Lot 697
1954 Vincent 998cc Series-C Rapide Registration no. LMR 252 Frame no. RC12109/B Rear Frame no. RC12109/B Engine no. F10AB/1/10209 Crankcase Mating no. D7V/D7V
1954 Vincent 998cc Series-C Rapide
Registration no. LMR 252
Frame no. RC12109/B Rear Frame no. RC12109/B
Engine no. F10AB/1/10209 Crankcase Mating no. D7V/D7V
Registration no. LMR 252
Frame no. RC12109/B Rear Frame no. RC12109/B
Engine no. F10AB/1/10209 Crankcase Mating no. D7V/D7V
• Rider's machine with sensible upgrades
• History since 1965
• Matching numbers example
By the relatively simple expedient of mounting two top ends onto a common crankcase, the series A 998cc Rapide twin was evolved in 1936, with the apocryphal tale of being conceived as a result of two single-cylinder drawings being overlapped. However, production of this model lasted only until war broke out in 1939.
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 version; 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.
Part of a deceased estate, 'LMR 252' was purchased in July 2018. The deceased owner enjoyed using his machines and was a keen motorcyclist. Not hidebound by originality at all costs, he was more interested in the ability to use a bike when required, and found this machine of interest, with its various upgrades to make it more practical for present-day traffic conditions. 'LMR 252' is equipped with an Alton generator, 12-volt electrics, a Norton clutch, Amal Concentric carburettors, and a centre stand. A new clutch, believed to be a type supplied by the VOC Spares Co, also accompanies the bike. The owner had the petrol tank refinished in October 2018.
The Rapide was registered in Wiltshire on 5th October 1954 and is one of the last few hundred Series C Rapides to be produced. An original continuation RF60 green log book lists previous owners from 1965 to 1975, after which it passed into the ownership of Ernie Page who sold it to Gordon Mowat, from whom the deceased owner acquired it in 2018. In a letter on file, the deceased wrote to Ernie Page, noting that the Vincent was 'running well and a delight to ride'.
The Vincent was last running in October 2019 before being laid up, and has been dry garage-stored since that time. It will, therefore, need light re-commissioning and safety checks prior to use on the road with a new owner. Documentation comprises a current V5C, an old V5C, a copy old V5, the aforementioned original RF60 continuation green log book dated 1965, a VOC certificate of authenticity, invoices, and sundry papers. There is also a quantity of books and publications with the bike. The machine is presently on SORN.
• History since 1965
• Matching numbers example
By the relatively simple expedient of mounting two top ends onto a common crankcase, the series A 998cc Rapide twin was evolved in 1936, with the apocryphal tale of being conceived as a result of two single-cylinder drawings being overlapped. However, production of this model lasted only until war broke out in 1939.
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 version; 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.
Part of a deceased estate, 'LMR 252' was purchased in July 2018. The deceased owner enjoyed using his machines and was a keen motorcyclist. Not hidebound by originality at all costs, he was more interested in the ability to use a bike when required, and found this machine of interest, with its various upgrades to make it more practical for present-day traffic conditions. 'LMR 252' is equipped with an Alton generator, 12-volt electrics, a Norton clutch, Amal Concentric carburettors, and a centre stand. A new clutch, believed to be a type supplied by the VOC Spares Co, also accompanies the bike. The owner had the petrol tank refinished in October 2018.
The Rapide was registered in Wiltshire on 5th October 1954 and is one of the last few hundred Series C Rapides to be produced. An original continuation RF60 green log book lists previous owners from 1965 to 1975, after which it passed into the ownership of Ernie Page who sold it to Gordon Mowat, from whom the deceased owner acquired it in 2018. In a letter on file, the deceased wrote to Ernie Page, noting that the Vincent was 'running well and a delight to ride'.
The Vincent was last running in October 2019 before being laid up, and has been dry garage-stored since that time. It will, therefore, need light re-commissioning and safety checks prior to use on the road with a new owner. Documentation comprises a current V5C, an old V5C, a copy old V5, the aforementioned original RF60 continuation green log book dated 1965, a VOC certificate of authenticity, invoices, and sundry papers. There is also a quantity of books and publications with the bike. The machine is presently on SORN.
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