Property of a deceased's estate, 1954 Vincent 998cc Rapide Series-C

• Matching numbers (frame, engine, registration)
• Four owners from new
• Present ownership since circa 2005
• Partially restored (details and date unknown)
• Requires recommissioning

The magnificent Vincent v-twin has been synonymous with design innovation, engineering excellence and superlative high performance ever since the Series-A Rapide's arrival in 1937. Philip Vincent's stress on appearance and performance is legendary, and his machines bristled with innovative features: adjustable brake pedal, footrests, 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.

This Vincent Rapide was previously owned by Mr George Brown of Newark, who circa 2005 bequeathed the machine to the late owner, for whom we are selling it. The accompanying original RF.60 logbook records the machine as supplied to Redhill Motors Brighton Ltd on 13th November 1954 and sold to its first owner, Thomas Arthur Haines of Brighton on 30th November '54. Only two additional owners are listed: Geoffrey Hirst of Bradford (from 19th May 1956) and the aforementioned Mr Brown (from 26th June 1956). The logbook confirms matching numbers, while the supplier's plaque on the front mudguard reads 'Supplied By Redhill Motors (Brighton) Ltd, 104, North Road, Brighton'.

Images on file (taken during the current ownership) show the Rapide unrestored and equipped with touring additions including panniers, screen, leg shields, and a luggage carrier. Partially restored since (details and date unknown), the machine now benefits from many repainted items and appears to incorporate some replacement brightwork alongside much of the original complement (mudguards, etc). The odometer reading is 51,175 miles. It is not known when the machine last ran and it will therefore require recommissioning or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road (the engine turns over).

Accompanying documentation includes the following:

• V5C Registration Certificate
• June 2014 MoT (50,331 miles)
• June 2014 VMCC Mallory Park BHR Track Parade entry form
• 1949 (3rd edition) Vincent Rapide (B & C) Rider's Handbook
• 1952 (6th edition) Vincent Series B & C Lightning, Shadow, Rapide, Comet and Meteor Rider's Handbook
• Motor Cycling magazine reprint of 'Vincent-H.R.D Motorcycles 1947-55'
• Copy of P. C. Vincent's 'The Snarling Beast'
• The Vincent - Spare Parts List
• Photocopied Instruction Sheets

Offered with key