16th Apr, 2009 13:10

The Pavilion Gardens

 
Lot 5
 

1953 Vincent Rapide Series C

Estimated at £24,000 - £28,000

Lot details
Registration No: 809 UXW
Frame No: RC11808
Engine No: F10AB/1/9908
cc: 998
MOT Expiry Date: None

This example of the illustrious Series C Rapide has had only four registered keepers since leaving Stevenage in 1953. First registered MB 200, the registration number was changed to ETM 901D on the 19th November 1981 prior to its sale to its second owner, Michael Roberts who kept the machine for thirteen years. It was then sold to Allen Purnell on the 6th May 1995. who kept it for the next eleven years before selling it to the present owner during June 2006 due to ill health. The machine is now registered with a more suitable age related number, 809 UXW.
It is described by the vendor as being in very good condition in all respects, a description supported by articles about the motorbike that appeared in the press whilst it was in Mr Purnell's ownership. The machine was used in a 1987 episode of Dr Who appearing with the then "Doctor" Sylvester McCoy and his assistant Bonnie Langford. Another newspaper article suggests that it has been used in other, unspecified period dramas and in the Discovery Channel series "Best of British".
It is currently fitted with a large capacity Phil Primmer fuel tank, a racing magneto, alloy rims, a very desirable Black Shadow speedometer, Black Shadow brake drums and twin Amal Mk 2 Concentric carburettors. It is accompanied by a spare set of fork blades, barrels, sprockets, seat and other items together with a history file which includes copies of the newspaper articles referred to, a copy of the cover of "MPH" magazine featuring the bike and the "Dr Who" cast, a Vincent-HRD Owners Club dating certificate, a copy of the works order form and a Swansea V5C for the current number together with correspondence concerning and copies of previous registration documents and expired MOT certificates.

PLEASE NOTE: The rear frame number of this motorcycle is RC/1/1808 and the upper frame number is RC/1/6425 and not as printed in the catalogue.

PLEASE NOTE: This motorcycle does not have an MOT.
 

Auction: The Pavilion Gardens, 16th Apr, 2009

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