Highlights

One of the earliest products of Phil Vincent’s Stevenage factory
One of around 10 Python Sports known to survive
Originally owned by Vincent employee and motorcycle racer and trials rider John Tucker-Peake
Unique specification, built from test parts for off-road use
In the ownership of the Tucker-Peake family until 2018, when it was bought by the vendor
Offered as a very original, albeit incomplete bike, seeking a sympathetic restored

The Appeal

We’ve no need to introduce you to Phil Vincent and his machines. The 500cc single-cylinder Comet and 1000cc V-twin Rapide are rightly lauded as some of the best bikes of the pre- and post-war periods, and that’s before we get to the fabled Black Shadow, once the world’s fastest production bike.

The story begins with Phil Vincent’s purchase of the ailing motorcycle manufacturer HRD Motors in 1928. Vincent’s first motorcycles were assembled, like their HRD precursors, mainly with JAP engines, but the Model P came equipped with the big, powerful 500cc single from the Rudge Python. It was chosen because of the successes of Rudge in racing, and featured a cylinder head designed for competition with excellent heat-dissipating qualities. Only an estimated 107 Vincent Pythons were constructed between 1932 and 1934, and here we have one of only around eight that are believed to have survived.

Of those survivors, this one may be the most special. It was originally owned by John Tucker-Peake, who is recorded as having been employed at the Vincent factory in 1938.

The History and Paperwork

Sold new to Vincent employee and motorcycle trials rider John Tucker-Peake
Originally registered AML 998 (Middlesex) but is no longer on the DVLA’s records
Essentially a two-family bike from new; since being sold by the Tucker-Peakes in 2018, it has been on display in a significant collection of motorcycles near Stevenage
The bike does not come with any recent paperwork
Offered as a very original, albeit incomplete bike, seeking a sympathetic restored

John’s brother Hubert had been apprenticed to Vincent for some years, and in 1932 rode as passenger alongside Vincent engineer Phil Irving in a sidecar combination in the Land’s End Trial. Both John and Hubert would become enthusiastically involved in racing, trials and speed trials on four wheels and two.

Remarkably, the Python remained with the Tucker-Peake family until as recently as 2018, when it was sold directly to the vendor. It’s very rare that one gets the opportunity to acquire a bike which is not only so rare (indeed, modifications to this one make it unique), but also so historic. It will surely be a privilege to own and restore this bike, and the motorcycling world will be eternally indebted to whoever restores it and brings it back to life.

The Condition

Frame and ancillaries generally in very good condition, with some patina
Obviously, some parts will have to be sourced
An excellent basis for a very rewarding restoration

As far as this bike’s frame goes, it appears to be in excellent condition. There is some paint damage, but that is no great hardship. As far as we can see, both main members are very solid and have not been damaged, which is the first thing you want to know when you’re getting invested in a restoration. We might say the same of the forks – they look excellent, too.

The tank has a nice patina, and obviously no longer sports its original factory painted finish, but presumably the polished metal finish was Turner-Peake’s preference. It is apparent that Turner-Peake modified it to some extent as the brackets connecting the engine with the frame have had holes drilled for lightness, so he obviously bought this bike with some sporting purpose in mind, and these details make it unique among survivors.

Unfortunately, it is obvious that many parts are absent, such as the wheels, handlebars and seat (it may very well have been run without lights and mudguards) and while the rarity of the bike means that these may not be easy to source, the Vincent HRD Owners’ Club can supply a lot of important spare parts, and we are sure it will be very keen to assist with the restoration of this unique machine.

The Mechanics

Crankcase, cylinder, head and carburettor in good external condition
Promises to be a very capable machine when finished
Once again, many parts will have to be sourced

We can’t say much more about the engine other than ‘what you see is what you get’ but it looks, at least, like the parts you can see are very good. The exhaust pipes are obviously absent, as does the rocker box appear to be. The magneto is missing and there is no chain cover; indeed, it looks like the bike is generally without the apparatus required for the chain.

However, the vital components, the cylinder, head and crankcase are all in very nice external condition, and an Amal carburettor is also present and looks in good order. This gives us hope that the internals will be good, too, although we can say nothing for certain.

It may take a bit of perseverance in tracking down some of the parts but, really, that should be the only obstacle. Once the parts are amassed, assembly looks like it should be fairly straightforward.

The Summary

If the Comet, Rapide and Black Shadow were the kings of the motorcycling world, then the Vincent Model P must have been the king-maker. It was the machine which helped Phil Vincent and Phil Irving to really hone their craft as makers of the finest bikes in the world, and its familiar, race-bred Rudge engine made it known to the motorcycling world that Vincent stood for performance and quality.

Even now that ordinary production Model Ps are so rare as to be almost mythical, this example manages to be something even more special. Its unique specification and association with a Vincent employee and celebrated trials rider sets it apart from everything else, and makes it fully deserving of a meticulous and sympathetic restoration by an enthusiast who appreciates its importance.

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