1937 Vincent-HRD 998cc Series-A Rapide

• One of only c.78 Series 'A' Rapides built; 13th example produced
• Matching numbers: frame, engine, oil pump & gearbox
• Expert restoration by Colin Jenner, renowned Vincent specialist & former Conway Motors proprietor

One of the most charismatic and technically advanced motorcycles of the inter-war period, the Vincent-HRD Series 'A' Rapide set new standards in performance and design upon its launch in 1936. Powered by a 998cc V-twin engine and built to uncompromising engineering standards, it marked the beginning of a legacy that would culminate in the post-war Series B and C Rapides and the legendary Black Shadow.

Only around 78 examples of the Series 'A' Rapide were produced before the outbreak of World War II, and surviving examples with matching numbers are exceedingly rare.
The machine offered here is the 13th example built, first registered on 1 January 1938, and retains its original registration number DNK 713, along with its matching frame and engine numbers, as well as its original-numbered oil pump (BD288) and gearbox (BAPH 48638). It is accompanied by a history file that includes a photocopy of the original Vincent Works Order Form dated 29 October 1937, a photocopy of the engine build sheet, and a Vincent Owners Club Dating Certificate confirming all major components.
The continuation brown logbook traces ownership back to 1950, when it was initially owned in relatively short succession by five owners in the South London/Kent borders area. The Vincent Owners Club have a record of a Mr F H Jones of Finsbury Park, London, owning it in 1948/49. In 1954 the Vincent was bought by one Walter Brown of Kirkhamgate, Yorkshire. This coincides with the last time the machine is taxed in the continuation. The well-known collector John Lumley is the final keeper in the continuation logbook - however there is no date for when he acquired it.

An image on file shows DNK 713 on an airfield in front of a disarmed, but otherwise combatant Vickers Wellington T.10, possibly with the then owner (in civvy working gear - semi un-buttoned, and wearing a patterned, non-uniform necktie). A minor lead-filled repair on the fuel/oil tank - adjacent to the internal oil compartment - has been left undisturbed, and may bear silent witness to this chapter of the machine's life.

The Rapide was acquired in 2009 from the estate of John Lumley by Colin Jenner, who undertook a comprehensive and sympathetic restoration to original specification over a number of years following his retirement. Colin has a lifelong association with Vincent motorcycles: he has owned his other Series 'A' Rapide (DNK 84) since the age of 18 and still rides it today, sixty years on. DNK 84 has competed in rallies, hill climbs, and sprints across Europe, including a 3,500-mile overland trip to the opening of the first Soviet Motor Museum in Riga in 1988, returning via Scandinavia, and appearances at Montlhéry.

Colin and his wife Ann ran Conway Motors, the last original Vincent dealership, for 20 years. He is widely respected for his expertise in pre-war models and is credited with reintroducing the supply of long-unavailable parts for Series 'A' machines, several of which he has restored.

Restoration of DNK 713 included the fitment of new cylinders, STD 7.3:1 compression low-expansion pistons, and new cylinder heads, with all timing chest and valve gear components renewed. Valve guides have been upgraded with modern oil seals. The oil pump and gearbox - both bearing their original numbers - were fully rebuilt, with the clutch upgraded to a modern Honda unit. Developed by Colin for use in Burman-equipped Vincents, this conversion has proven both robust and rider-friendly, and has since been adopted by hundreds of machines.

The exhaust system, featuring the correct spiral baffle silencer, is new. While the original pre-war Amal carburettors are no longer available, post-war type Amals are fitted. The Lucas magneto and dynamo have been fully restored, with a 6V electronic regulator discreetly housed in the original Lucas control box. A provision for a modern 6V battery exists within an original-pattern hard rubber battery case, with additional inline fuses protecting both the main loom and lighting circuits. The dynamo charges correctly and the magneto features slack-wire advance.

The 8" Lucas headlamp is the correct pattern, and both the speedometer and solid drive have been professionally rebuilt. The clock has been internally updated with a modern battery mechanism, preserving its external appearance. All cycle parts have been restored and powder-coated, with new mudguards, seats, wheel bearings, chains, sprockets, and fully bedded-in brakes. The front forks have also been fully rebuilt.
The distinctive fuel/oil tank, finished in black and polished stainless steel, has been internally ethanol-proofed. Aside from the aforementioned repair and a few age-related blemishes, it presents beautifully and to original specification.

The machine has been road tested for approximately 255 miles during final adjustment and is reported to be running exceptionally well. An oil change and continued running-in is advised before extended use. A short video of starting and oil adjustment is available to view – and the Colin has kindly offered to provide practical support and advice to the future custodian.

An exceptional and significant example of Vincent's earliest V-twin - restored by one of the most knowledgeable and respected figures in the marque's modern history - DNK 713 represents an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire a matching-numbers, UK-registered Series 'A' Rapide with excellent provenance, craftsmanship, and road-readiness. Offered with a V5C and aforementioned documents.
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