1949 Vincent HRD Rapide Series C
A scarcely seen HRD-badged 'transition model'

Registration No: GFY 426
Frame No: RC4498
MOT: Exempt

• Recently the subject of mechanical work including the fitment of new Amal carburettors, an engine overhaul and much more
• Previously subject to a total restoration to a high standard
• Scarcely seen 'transition model' HRD-badged Series C model

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-1930s he had developed his own 500cc single and 1,000cc twin-cylinder designs that became the mainstay of production until 1955. The big vee-twin was the fastest motorcycle in the world at the time and with some astute marketing become the bike everyone aspired to own. Rapides and the Black Shadows have become some of the most desirable and iconic bikes of the era. Ultimately, the company had to close in the late 1950s due to the high cost of manufacturing such an exclusive and high-quality product, although they remained one of the fastest two-wheelers money could buy until the mid-1960s.

First registered in on the 18^th July 1949, this HRD-badged Series C Rapide was first delivered to the Southport area, Merseyside. Prior to the vendor’s ownership, it had been mollycoddled as a display machine for several years, until our vendor acquired it during 2022.

An ex-motorcycle racer with a significant private collection of some serious two and four wheeled exotica, our vendor found that the Vincent was good order cosmetically, but he felt that it required a serious amount of work to get it to his standard. As a result, he entrusted work to a local specialist who completely stripped it to a bare frame and completely overhauled it mechanically. It was fitted with new twin-Amal carburettors, the engine was subject to an overhaul further improvements were made to the suspension and wiring. Once back together, this mighty machine was taken home, whereupon he found that due to his advancing age, kicking it into life is more of a struggle than it was during the late 50’s when he owned his first Vincent thou’.

Offered complete with a history file that includes a buff log book, invoices for recent works and a UK V5C, this example is said to be ‘fighting fit’ for its next owner.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430