Description
This motorcycle is Lot 252 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 252
Property of a deceased's estate
1951 Vincent 998cc Series-C Touring Rapide
Registration no. TEV 511
Frame no. RC9186/ D (Rear frame no. RC9186/ D)
Engine no. F10AB/ 1/ 7286 (Crankcase mating no. SS44)
Rare Touring-specification Rapide
Matching numbers
Present ownership since 1987
Requires recommissioning
Ever since the Series A's arrival in 1937, the Vincent v-twin has been synonymous with design innovation, engineering excellence and superlative high performance. From Rollie Free's capture of the 'world's fastest production motorcycle' record in 1948 on a tuned 'Series B' Black Shadow to the final fully enclosed 'Series D' Black Knight and Black Prince, Philip Vincent's stress on appearance and performance is legendary. His machines bristled with innovative features including adjustable footrests, brake pedal, seat height and gear-change lever. The finish was to a very high standard commensurate with the cost of the machine, which was virtually double that of any of its contemporaries. But above all else it was the v-twin's stupendous performance that captivated motorcyclists, whether they could afford one or not. With a top speed approaching 120mph, and bettering it in the Black Shadow's case, the Vincent v-twin was the fastest road vehicle of its day.
In 1948 the Vincent range began to be up-dated from Series-B 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. Touring versions featured higher handlebars, valanced steel mudguards in black, and smaller wheels: 19" front, 18" rear.
VOC records show that 'F10AB/ 1/ 7286' and 'RC9186/ D' is a Series-C Touring Rapide manufactured in July 1951 and delivered to a dealer called Albons in Shenfield, Essex. The Rapide was fitted with sidecar equipment and a Blacknell Sherwood sidecar. Being a touring model it was fitted with 19" front and 18" rear wheels, black painted steel touring mudguards and touring handlebars. 'TEV 511' was purchased by the deceased owner in 1987. The Vincent is recorded on the HPI report as an insurance loss but it was found by the late owner who carried on using it until his passing (see VOC notes concerning its theft and recovery). Not used recently, the machine should require only light recommissioning before returning to the road. Accompanying paperwork consists of the original and continuation old-style logbooks; old/ current V5/ V5C registration documents; and some expired MoTs.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
