Formerly part of The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection, 1952 Vincent 998cc Rapide Series C Touring Model

• Rare Touring-specification Rapide
• All matching numbers
• Purchased from the late Chas Guy in 1992
• Electronic ignition, Vee Two clutch

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. Touring versions featured higher handlebars, valanced steel mudguards in black, and smaller wheels: 19" front, 18" rear.

Manufactured in May 1952, this Series-C Rapide was completed to touring specification for Vincent's customer Mr R Way of Seven Kings. Retaining matching main frame, rear frame, engine, and registration numbers, the Rapide comes with copies of the Works Order Form; Engine Check Sheet; Cycle Check Sheet; Road Test Report; Completion Note; and Despatch Check Sheet, the latter two documents confirming that it was completed with Touring Sidecar Equipment.

Tony East purchased this Touring Rapide from the late Chas Guy of Conway Motors, Kent in 1992. A total restoration was subsequently carried out by Bryan Small Motorcycle Restorations at a cost of circa £12,000, with the paintwork done by one of Tony's customers in Guildford. The Vincent is more or less standard but has electronic ignition, a Vee Two clutch and a 5'' speedometer, while an interesting 'period' feature is the flexible stone-catcher under the front mudguard. According to Tony: "The clutch, unlike the original one, is much better – it can be held at traffic lights without seeking neutral gear and takes off without clutch clip. At one time I had a sidecar fitted. The rear wheel has two sprockets fitted, one for sidecar configuration and one for solo." Tony's Touring Rapide was tested by Philip Tooth for The Classic MotorCycle in 1993 (November edition, framed copy available). Accompanying documentation includes a old style V5C; Vincent HRD Owners Club dating certificate; numerous restoration invoices; and the aforementioned works record copies.