The Dale Winfield Motorcycle Collection, c.1933 Vincent-HRD 500cc 'Python' Racing Motorcycle

• Rare early Vincent-HRD
• Python-branded Rudge engine
• Requires recommissioning

The Vincent-HRD marque originated in 1928 when Philip C Vincent acquired the name, jigs, tools and patterns of the recently liquidated HRD Company. ('HRD' stood for Howard Raymond Davies, the Isle of Man TT winner who had founded the firm in 1924.) Having read Mechanical Engineering at Kings College, Cambridge, Vincent was highly critical of the characteristics of contemporary motorcycles, their lack of rear suspension in particular, and built his own sprung-frame prototype in 1927. With its pivoting triangulated rear fork and springs mounted beneath the saddle, it set the pattern for all future Vincent motorcycles.

However, the motorcycling public remained unconvinced of the advantages of rear suspension, and that, coupled with the fact that the first Vincent frames used triangulated straight tubes and looked unconventionally 'Cotton-like' in appearance, only served to depress sales still further. In 1930 Vincent sold only 35 machines, rising to 50 in 1931.

Like Davies before him, Vincent relied on proprietary engines until increasing dissatisfaction with suppliers led to the creation of Vincent's own in 1934. Until then he had sourced engines from both JAP and Rudge (Python). By this time the triangulated frames had gone, replaced by more conventional 'diamond' types, albeit still with rear springing.

Powered by a Python-branded Rudge four-valve engine, this early Vincent-HRD was previously registered as 'JH 4512' (transferred to another vehicle in 2019). Notable features include an Amal twin-float carburettor; riveted alloy chain guard; alloy cylinder head; BTH magneto; and a modern steel fuel tank. The Vincent was last taxed to 30/11/88 and comes with tax discs for 1958 and 1959 (one for Lindsey, the other for Gateshead).

The numbers of the upper and rear frames are indistinct, but if they are indeed 'D516', as is suspected, then this machine is believed to be a 500cc Python Sports that went to Kings in Oxford in April 1933. The Vincent Owners Club advise that the 'BAPH11742' gearbox number is correct for frame number 'D516'. It should be noted that the inner gearbox cover is stamped 'G107 F51', which according to various resources conversant with the Burman numbering system is probably from a 1951 Ariel. The engine is not original to the machine and the engine number has clearly been restamped. The VOC further advise that there is no indication in the works order as this motorcycle having been a racer, so that appears to be an owner modification. Accordingly prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the authenticity of the machine prior to bidding
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Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). Key not required.