1949 Vincent Rapide Series B

Description

• At Auction – Please click HERE
• Fantastic Restored Condition
• Electric start
• 12v Electrics
• Upgraded Twin leading shoes
• 2,597 miles since rebuild
• 5 Previous owners

The Vincent story began with Phil Vincent’s purchase of the HRD name in 1928, initially producing bikes using proprietary engines in his own chassis. Always the innovator by the mid-30s he had developed his own 500cc single and 1000cc twin-cylinder designs that became the mainstay of production until 1955.

The big v-twin was the fastest motorcycle in the world at the time and with some astute marketing become the bike everyone aspired to own. The Rapides and the Black Shadows have become some of the most desirable and iconic bikes of the era. Unfortunately, the company had to close in the late 1950s due to the high cost of manufacturing such an exclusive and high-quality product.

History and detail

Our Vendor shared that he had searched for a while to find an example that could be ridden as he had planned, and he actually used the bike to tour France. He, in fact, is responsible for adding most of the measly mileage that is currently shown on the odometer. We will come back to that, but we know we have a British bike that is ready to ride, not just admire aesthetically.

He eventually found this stunning example at Robinsons Motorcycles of Rochdale, as is common with classics bikes of this era it came to them via a probate sale. This meant that there was not a great deal of paperwork with the bike, but it presented well and was clearly up to the planned European trip so was purchased there and then.

Although there isn’t much paperwork it will be supplied with a copy of the famous E.M.G Stevens book “Know Thy Beast”, the definitive guide to all things Vincent; a tricky find on its own these days and commanding a decent price on the internet.  There is also a Vincent Maintenance manual and the V5 in our vendor’s name.

As previously mentioned, the 2,597 miles were mostly added by our vendor who is convinced that the mileage is aligned to the bike’s restoration, with no issues on his trip and a clean exhaust and tight engine. It is clear that the rebuild is very young, 2,597 miles young.

We also note that the Vincent Rapide has been restored to a very high standard and as such is likely to be one of the best condition B Series Rapides that are currently available on the market.

• First registered 16th September 1949.
• V5 in owner’s name
• 5 previous owners
• 2597 Mileage (Believed to have been reset during engine rebuild)
• Tax, MOT & ULEZ exempt
• “Know Thy Beast” Book
• Vincent Workshop Manual

The Bike

As can be seen in the gallery, the pictures tell the story. This is a bike that presents wonderfully and has clearly been restored to a very high standard.

Having been upgraded to 12volt electrics, and with an uprated Alton Generator and starter kit, it is up to modern day riding. The lights stay strong throughout the rev range and the electric starter works every time. A godsend for these stubborn temperamental and unreliable British bikes of this era. Our vendor did his homework before purchasing this bike, especially knowing it was to carry him across France, a great choice and equally great, reliable bike.

Back to the aesthetics of the bike. The black paintwork with gold accents looks wonderful, the frame has been stove enamelled and presents fantastically. The chrome is bright and clean, the polished fenders are in lovely condition. The Smiths odometer is clean and tidy and notably is the factory option 150mph version.

All the electrics work as they should, the engine and the ancillaries all present nice and clean, along with the wheels which are extremely impressive with the correct black and red accent rim centres.

Have a good look in the image gallery and you will see for yourself, it is truly a wonderful thing that, as previously mentioned, has been restored to an incredibly high standard. We dread to think how much has been spent on it to bring it to this level.

Another important thing to mention is that our vendor has at great cost replaced the brakes with 7-inch twin leading shoes on both sides. This has improved the braking immensely and you will find that the Vincent Rapide can be brought to a halt with two fingers, yes you read that correctly, a post war British bike that can stop almost as quickly as a modern bike. They also look just as they should.

• Stove enamelled frame
• Engine number – F10/AB/1/1864
• Chassis number – R3764
• Electronic start
• Uprated to 12 Volts
• Uprated Alton 12 Volt Generator
• 998cc OHV V-Twin
• Four-Speed Transmission
• Black Paint w/Gold Accents
• Two-Up Seat
• Birmabright Polished Alloy Fenders
• Hinged Rear Fender
• Brampton Girder Fork
• Hydraulic Shocks
• New Brass Fuel Taps from VOC
• Friction-Plate Steering Damper
• Dual Amal Carburettors
• Chrome Two-Into-One Exhaust System
• Centre Stand
• Rear Stand

As is pretty clear, this is no run of the mill Vincent Rapide; it is a super example that appears to need for nothing and will be the pride of anyone’s collection.

Summary

The pinnacle of the Vincent range with the added advantage of being extremely well cared for.  Those that know these bikes will agree we are looking at a very sought after and well sorted example.

With A series models commanding three figures and not being as good to ride, a B series of this quality is clearly the way to go. Those very sensible upgrades make it a bike that can be ridden in today’s modern traffic, and presenting so well, it is a very rare find indeed.

Buy it, enjoy it, ride it, or add it to your collection. Whatever you choose it will be a sound investment.

Get bidding.

Vehicle Location: Penge, London SE20 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendors.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Vincent Rapide? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

Guide Prices?

We’re different. But you know that and, in a sector, where no two classics are same, how does anyone put a ‘guide’ on a vehicle.

Let’s be honest, everyone knows the broad value of a classic and the ‘market’ decides – the old cliché that ‘it’s worth what someone wants to pay’ is no less true. So why kid everyone!

But, if you’d like us to provide an estimate that’s fine, just email us and we’ll get back to you.

Tedious but it’s vital you read this, please

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