Offered from the estate of the late Len Clutterbuck, 1952 Vincent 998cc Series-C Rapide

When Vincent resumed production at the war's end it was with the all-new Series-B. Its rear suspension aside, the Series-A Vincent-HRD had been conventional enough: tubular steel frame, girder forks, separate gearbox, etc but with the Series-B Messrs Vincent and Irving effectively established the marque's reputation for the defiance of convention in the pursuit of engineering excellence. For a start there was no 'frame' as such, merely a fabricated box attached to the cylinder heads that served as the oil tank and incorporated the headstock and attachment point for the rear springs. The gearbox was integral with the engine and the swinging arm pivoted directly in the engine/gearbox casings, features commonplace today but unusual 60 years ago. Only in his retention of the pre-war Brampton girder fork did Phillip Vincent appear to be lagging behind other manufacturers, almost all of whom had switched to telescopics. Introduced in 1946, the Vincent-HRD Series-B Rapide was immediately the fastest production motorcycle on sale.

In 1948 the Vincent range began to be up-dated 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.

Engine number 'F10AB/1/8571' is that of a Series-C Rapide manufactured in March 1952 and registered 'KTM 582'. It should be noted that only the upper frame number's 'RC' prefix is visible and there is no serial number stamping. Furthermore, although the rear frame number 'RC10471/C' is clearly stamped, some of the digits are untypical of factory fonts. (The accompanying V5C document records the frame number as 'RC10471C'.) Accordingly, prospective purchaser must satisfy themselves with regard to the originality and authenticity of this motorcycle prior to bidding.

This Vincent Rapide was complete but a non-runner when Len bought it in the late 1980s. Len Proceeded to fully restore the Vincent but never rode it, although the engine was started. The Vincent was last taxed in 2010 and was last used six years ago. Following a period of inactivity, recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration will be required before further use and thus this motorcycle is sold strictly as viewed (the engine has been turned over periodically). The Rapide is offered with a copies of a Works Order Form and Road Test Report; a V5C Registration Certificate; an old-style RF.60 logbook (issued 1964); and two expired MoT certificates.
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