1955 Vincent 998cc Series-D Rapide

The Vincent v-twin had been synonymous with design innovation, engineering excellence, and superlative high performance since the Series A's arrival in 1937. So in September 1955 when it was revealed that production of the Stevenage-built machines would cease, the news stunned the motorcycling world. It had been decided that the firm's future lay in more profitable lines of manufacture, and just 100 more of the fabulous v-twins would be completed. By the time its demise was announced, Vincent's final twin - the Series D - had been in production for just six months.

It had been Philip Vincent's belief that provision of ample weather protection combined with enclosure of engine and gearbox, would make the Series D the ultimate 'gentleman's motorcycle' and to reflect this change of emphasis the enclosed Rapide and Black Shadow were known as Black Knight and Black Prince respectively. In actuality, delayed delivery of the glassfibre panels - plus continuing demand for traditionally styled models - resulted in over half the production leaving the Stevenage factory in un-enclosed form.

Other Series-D innovations included a new frame and rear suspension - a steel tube replaced the original fabricated upper member/oil tank while the paired spring boxes gave way to a single hydraulic coil-spring/damper unit offering a generous 7" of suspension travel. In place of the integral oil reservoir there was a separate tank beneath the seat. The user-friendly hand-operated centre stand was a welcome addition and there were many improvements to the peerless v-twin engine including coil ignition for easier starting and Amal Monobloc carburettors. Sadly though, the Shadow's magnificent 5"-diameter Smiths speedometer had been replaced by a standard 3" unit.

Notwithstanding the fact that, as far as Philip Vincent was concerned, the Series D was his finest design, the motorcycle-buying public greeted the innovative new models with suspicion, as is so often the case. Its creator's vision of the Series D as a two-wheeled Grand Routier just did not conform to the public's perception of the Vincent as the ultimate sports-bike. The firm lost money on every machine made and when production ceased in December 1955 only 460 Series D v-twins had been built.

According to VOC records, 'F10AB/2/10802' and 'RD12702' are the numbers from a Series-D Rapide manufactured in 1955. As far as is known, 'LDP 432' is the original registration issued by Reading Council sometime between June 1955 and February 1956, as that was when the 'LDP' series of registrations was issued.

An older restoration, this Series-D Rapide was acquired by our vendor in 2022 and has been dry stored in the garage when not in use. Notable features include an electric starter; Amal Concentric carburettors; a large 4LS front brake; modern horn; flashing indicators; and modern switch gear. The odometer reading was 31,954 miles at time of cataloguing/photography and the machine last ran in November 2024. Accompanying documents include a current V5C Registration Certificate and DVLA tax reminder.
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