1949/1951 Vincent 998cc Rapide Project Frame no. R3500 Rear frame no. RC9045/C Engine no. F10AB/...

1949/1951 Vincent 998cc Rapide Project Registration no. 6615 JH Frame no. R3500 Rear frame no. RC9045/C Engine no. F10AB/3/11191 (see text) Crankcase mating no. HH16 •Offered as a restoration project •Single family ownership for the last 59 years Introduced in 1946, the Vincent-HRD Series-B Rapide was immediately the fastest production motorcycle on sale anywhere, with a top speed of over 110mph. The basic design clearly had even greater potential though, which would be realised later in the form of the Black Shadow and Black Lightning models. In 1948 the Vincent range began to be updated 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 technological advances and other cosmetic differences 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. This Vincent Rapide was owned by the late vendor since the early 1960's and comes with a substantial history file containing correspondence and invoices dating back to 1965, a staple of his collection and used regularly before deciding to restore it back to its former glory. Sadly, before he was able to complete the restoration the late vendor passed away and is now offered as a project and sold strictly as seen. The upper frame member is from a 1949 Series-B Rapide whilst the rear frame member is from a 1951 Series-C Rapide. It should be noted that the engine number is believed to be a non-factory stamp therefore prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the authenticity and correctness of the machine's component parts before bidding. Offered with a V5C, the aforementioned invoices and correspondence, road tests and sundry papers. Key not required Footnotes: 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. REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE Please click the link to request a transport quote from our recommended transport company, Moving Motorcycles. To request a UK or European shipping quote - Moving Motorcycles To request an International shipping quote - Shippio For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing