1951 Vincent Rapide Series C
Includes Craven panniers

Registration No: MXK 447
Frame No: RC/1/10361C*
Engine No: F10AB/1/8461
CC: 998
MOT: Exempt

• Believed typo' error, UFM and RFM stamped 10361 but V5C shows 10381
• Logbook error should be able to be rectified with the help of factory records
• Adapted for touring by previous owner including fitting Craven panniers

The Vincent story began with Phil Vincent's purchase of the HRD name in 1928, initially producing bikes using proprietary engines in his own chassis. Always the innovator by the mid-30s he had developed his own 500cc single and 1000cc twin-cylinder designs that became the mainstay of production until 1955. The big v-twin was the fastest motorcycle in the world at the time and with some astute marketing become the bike everyone aspired to own. The Rapides and the Black Shadows have become some of the most desirable and iconic bikes of the era. Unfortunately, the company had to close in the late 1950s due to the high cost of manufacturing such an exclusive and high quality product.

This Rapide has spent its last 12 years on the Isle of Man in a small private collection only covering around 600 miles and is now being sold to make room for other projects. It was bought by the vendor from the deceased estate of a Vincent enthusiast who after buying it in 1980 adapted the bike for serious touring use including the fitting of Amal Mk2 Concentrics, finned front brake hubs, an 8" single sided rear brake and a neat little chain oiler. If the stickers on the Craven panniers, included in the sale, are to be believed it was used extensively during his ownership for European tours. The bike has now been stood for several years and will need a good recommissioning before use but the engine turns over on the kickstarter with good compression. It comes supplied with a few old MOTs, a copy instruction manual, a continuation buff logbook and a V5C.

* According to factory records Engine No. F10AB/1/8461 and Frame No. RC10361/C match a Series C Rapide that was manufactured in January 1951 and despatched to Jack Surtees Motorcycles (London). The bike is supplied with a continuation RF60 buff logbook issued in 1961 in which the handwritten frame number is unclear. The UFM and RFM are stamped 10361, which agrees with the factory records, but it looks like a typo occurred when the first V5 was granted so the DVLA has the frame number down as 10381. This error should be eminently reversible with the appropriate paperwork and help of the Vincent Owner’s Club.

For more information, please contact:
Ian Cunningham
ian.cunningham@handh.co.uk
07415871189