Lot details
Registration No: HFY 191
Frame No: RC8380
Engine No: F10AB/1/16480
cc: 998
MOT Expiry Date: None

The pre-war Series A Rapide offered a level of performance unrivalled by the vast majority of its peers, however the vee-twin engine configuration resulted in a long wheelbase endowing the machine with slow, albeit stable, handling. The Stevenage based company promised a revised model in their wartime advertising which would address this issue together with the cluttered appearance of the engine due to the external oil lines that gave it the "plumber's nightmare" nickname. The result was promised to be fast, capable of cruising at 100mph, with exemplary handling and braking, a high degree of rider comfort and easy maintenance. The solutions adopted in order to achieve these aims were radical. The full cradle frame was discarded, with the engine becoming an integral part of the machine. A fabricated oil tank incorporated the headstock mounting to the engine. At the rear of the engine brackets provided pick up points for the cantilever suspension system. Brampton girder forks were employed at the front, although their limitations were recognised and their subsequent replacement by Girdraulic units defined the Series C variants. A gearbox built in unit with the engine further aided the reduction in wheelbase in comparison to the Series A machines. The lubrication system for the engine was refined improving the appearance of the unit and aids to maintenance were incorporated into the design such as wheels that could be removed without the aid of tools. Twin drum brakes were employed on both wheels endowing it with exceptional braking distances. That they largely achieved their aims is now a matter of historical record, although it was not until the Series C models arrived with the Girdraulic front forks that the two engineers were entirely satisfied.
The example offered was first registered on the 13th June 1951 and purchased by the vendor in the early sixties. He used the machine as his day to day transport until 1971 when it was laid up. The machines condition is a testament to the esteem in which the vendor held the motorcycle. The fuel tank was protected for much of its life by a tank cover and apart from an area on either side that has been worn by the rider's knees, is in very good condition as is the majority of the paintwork. The only known modifications to the original specification are the addition of two breathers, one to the rear rocker cover and one to the crankcase. The alloy and brightwork are in sound condition and the engine has been turned over on a regular basis. The vendor informs us that the wiring will require attention prior to use. The machine is offered with a Buff Continuation log book, the last MOT certificate issued for the motorcycle, issued on the 21st June 1971, a Riders Handbook and a copy of the "Vincent Motorcycles" by Paul Richardson which contains a handwritten log kept by the first owner in the fly leaf. A full engine rebuild appears to have been carried out when the machine had covered 37,000 miles and a Steib sidecar was fitted to the machine when it had covered 41,700 miles. The chair was sold by the vendor to a friend when he acquired the machine. The last MOT certificate records a mileage of 58,564 and the odometer now shows approximately 67,000 miles. Offered in good original condition this machine represents an extremely rare opportunity to acquire an unmolested example of this desirable model.