LOT 752
1947 Vincent-HRD 998cc Series-B Rapide Registration no. HDV 949 Frame no. R2242 Rear Frame No. R2016 (see text) Engine no. F10AB/1/243 Crankcase Mating no. C43/C43
Sold for £31,050 inc. premium
Lot 752
1947 Vincent-HRD 998cc Series-B Rapide Registration no. HDV 949 Frame no. R2242 Rear Frame No. R2016 (see text) Engine no. F10AB/1/243 Crankcase Mating no. C43/C43
1947 Vincent-HRD 998cc Series-B Rapide
Registration no. HDV 949
Frame no. R2242 Rear Frame No. R2016 (see text)
Engine no. F10AB/1/243 Crankcase Mating no. C43/C43
Registration no. HDV 949
Frame no. R2242 Rear Frame No. R2016 (see text)
Engine no. F10AB/1/243 Crankcase Mating no. C43/C43
• Present family ownership since the late 1970s
• Original and un-restored
• Last used in 2011
When Vincent resumed production at the war's end it was with the all-new Series B. Its rear suspension aside, the pre-war Series A Vincent-HRD had been conventional enough: tubular steel frame, girder forks, separate gearbox, etc but with the Series B Messrs Vincent and Irving effectively established the marque's reputation for the defiance of convention in the pursuit of engineering excellence. For a start there was no 'frame' as such, merely a fabricated box attached to the cylinder heads, that served as the oil tank and incorporated the headstock and the attachment point for the rear springs. The gearbox was integral with the engine, and the swinging arm pivoted directly in the engine/gearbox casings, features commonplace today but unusual 60 years ago. Only in his retention of the pre-war Brampton girder fork did Phillip Vincent appear to be lagging behind other manufacturers, almost all of which had switched to telescopics, but this apparent shortcoming would soon be addressed by the introduction of the famous 'Girdraulic' fork.
Introduced in 1946, the Vincent-HRD Rapide Series B was immediately the fastest production motorcycle on sale anywhere, with a top speed of 110mph. The basic design clearly had even greater potential though, which would be realised later in the form of the Black Shadow and Black Lightning models.
This Series B Rapide was despatched new in September 1947 to J E Green & Co of Newton Abbot and registered in their name as 'HDV 949'. An early example, it has that model's characteristic Brampton girder forks; HRD-embossed timing cover with prominent cast-in oil ways; and imposing 8" Miller headlamp similar to that used on Series A Vincents. This machine also features the all-black brakes, confirming that it was built prior to the introduction of the spun-aluminium water excluding rings.
'HDV 949' has been in the same family's possession since the late 1970s and is presented in original and un-restored condition. We are advised by the vendor that the last work was carried out in 2008/2009 when the magneto was refurbished; the Amal carburettors overhauled; and a new clutch plate/springs and new throttle cable fitted. Last used in 2011, the Rapide has not been started recently but the engine has been turned over regularly. Accompanying documentation consists of original and continuation old-style buff logbooks; a current V5C Registration Certificate; and a VOC Dating Certificate. (It should be noted that the rear frame, although of the correct Series B type, is not original to this machine.)
• Original and un-restored
• Last used in 2011
When Vincent resumed production at the war's end it was with the all-new Series B. Its rear suspension aside, the pre-war Series A Vincent-HRD had been conventional enough: tubular steel frame, girder forks, separate gearbox, etc but with the Series B Messrs Vincent and Irving effectively established the marque's reputation for the defiance of convention in the pursuit of engineering excellence. For a start there was no 'frame' as such, merely a fabricated box attached to the cylinder heads, that served as the oil tank and incorporated the headstock and the attachment point for the rear springs. The gearbox was integral with the engine, and the swinging arm pivoted directly in the engine/gearbox casings, features commonplace today but unusual 60 years ago. Only in his retention of the pre-war Brampton girder fork did Phillip Vincent appear to be lagging behind other manufacturers, almost all of which had switched to telescopics, but this apparent shortcoming would soon be addressed by the introduction of the famous 'Girdraulic' fork.
Introduced in 1946, the Vincent-HRD Rapide Series B was immediately the fastest production motorcycle on sale anywhere, with a top speed of 110mph. The basic design clearly had even greater potential though, which would be realised later in the form of the Black Shadow and Black Lightning models.
This Series B Rapide was despatched new in September 1947 to J E Green & Co of Newton Abbot and registered in their name as 'HDV 949'. An early example, it has that model's characteristic Brampton girder forks; HRD-embossed timing cover with prominent cast-in oil ways; and imposing 8" Miller headlamp similar to that used on Series A Vincents. This machine also features the all-black brakes, confirming that it was built prior to the introduction of the spun-aluminium water excluding rings.
'HDV 949' has been in the same family's possession since the late 1970s and is presented in original and un-restored condition. We are advised by the vendor that the last work was carried out in 2008/2009 when the magneto was refurbished; the Amal carburettors overhauled; and a new clutch plate/springs and new throttle cable fitted. Last used in 2011, the Rapide has not been started recently but the engine has been turned over regularly. Accompanying documentation consists of original and continuation old-style buff logbooks; a current V5C Registration Certificate; and a VOC Dating Certificate. (It should be noted that the rear frame, although of the correct Series B type, is not original to this machine.)
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