Beschreibung:

Vincent of Stevenage had astonished their rivals, the motorcycle press and the riding public alike when they announced their 1947 range with its mould-breaking, all-alloy, unit-construction V-twin with its apparently frameless construction and full suspension. This was in the post-war austerity era where some of its better-known rivals such as Norton and BSA had little to offer other than warmed over 1930’s designs. These technical innovations and the Vincent’s astonishing performance made any Rapide an object of wonder, an aura which it has retained even in the age of the Japanese superbike. The model was brought up to date still further in April 1949 with the equally unusual, effective and immensely strong ‘Girdraulic’ front forks, the construction of which, like that of the whole machine, drew on aircraft practice and materials, the former up-to-date and the latter available in a time of materials shortage. From this point, the ‘Rapide’ remained the mainstay of Vincent twin sales until the change to Series ‘D’ production in mid-1955. This Rapide has had an unusual history in that it was exported to Montreal, Canada, in 1952. Returning to the UK in 1963, it was registered in Hereford. Rebuilt by the successors to Vincents in 1968, it was then exported to Egypt, no less, where it seems to have been stored rather than used. Re-imported by 1977, at which time it was MOT tested for road use, it went to the previous owner in 1978, the late owner buying it in 1999 as a stable-mate for his other pre- and post-war Vincents. It was last taxed in 2001 and is presently SORN registered until November 2008. A mileage of just over 15,000 is shown and may very well be original. 432 EVJ is in sparkling and well cared for condition, with a patina not found on some recently renovated machines. A programme of continuous maintenance and some renovation has been carried out while in the hands of its late owner. It is said to start, run and stop very well indeed and, subject to the normal re-commissioning and safety checks, will be an exciting and very desirable addition to any stable. This authentic and unmodified Rapide will be supplied with its history file containing photocopies of the Works Engine Test Sheet, Cycle Check Sheet and Road Test as well as a Certificate of Authenticity, other papers and some old MOT certificates and a V5C. A good opportunity to acquire a road-ready and much-travelled Vincent fresh from the estate of a caring and competent owner.