Property of a deceased's estate, 1952 Vincent 998cc Series-C Rapide

Registration no. MUV 768 Frame no. RC9983/C Rear frame no. RC9983/C Engine no. F10AB/1/8083 Crankcase Mating No. 86MM / 86MM

• Present family ownership since 1958
• Stored for some time
• 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 Vincent Rapide was part of a motorcycle combination when the late owner purchased it from Lawton & Wilson of Southampton on 6th June 1958. The combination was used extensively for family holidays and commuting to work. Apparently, the owner was regarded as 'the street's alarm clock', as the departing Vincent would wake everyone up, and when he retired the locals complained that now they had to set their alarms! Stored for some time, the machine will require re-commissioning or possibly more extensive restoration before returning to the road. Accompanying documentation consists of the 1958 bill of sale, an old-style continuation logbook (issued 1958), two expired MoTs from the 1990s, and an old-style V5. Sold strictly as viewed.
Offered without key