Description
This motorcycle is Lot 115 - To be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on 26th & 27th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 147 are to be sold from 14:00 on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Lots 201 - 410 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 27th April 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 26th & 27th April 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
Lot 115
The Dale Winfield Motorcycle Collection
c. 1952 Vincent 499cc 'Grey Flash' Replica
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. RC4507 Rear frame no. unstamped
Engine no. Engine no. F5ABPG/ 6001 (see text) Crankcase mating no's. 43U / 43U
Development work by factory tester George Brown, himself an accomplished racer, resulted in the Vincent Grey Flash: a tuned version of the Series-C Comet single with a power output of 35bhp and a top speed in racing trim of 115mph. Catalogued only for the 1949 and 1950 seasons, during which time a mere 31 were completed, the Grey Flash is one of the rarest and most desirable of post-war Vincents; there are now more replicas in existence than originals.
A note on Conway Motors stationery states that this Grey Flash replica's last owner was a Mr Jim McGuigan of Kilbarchan, though it is not dated. The Vincent is believed to have been sold by Atlantic Motorcycles at some time (see photograph on file of it in the shop window). There are also some 'as purchased' photographs present but no other documents or history.
The Vincent Owners Club advise that the engine number 'F5ABPG/ 6001' does not make sense and is not a factory number. The only part of the stamping that appears correct is the 'F5AB' prefix. The upper frame 'RC4507' is originally from a Series-C Rapide despatched from the factory in September 1949 to a dealership called Trivellato in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Key not required.
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.
