1951 Vincent Rapide Series C

Description

Produced by Vincent HRD, the 1951 Vincent Rapide was part of the legendary Series C lineup, sharing its platform with the iconic Black Shadow and Comet models. The Rapide stood out with its powerful 998cc V-twin engine, offering a blend of performance, engineering innovation, and timeless British craftsmanship.

This particular example is believed to be one of only eleven “transition” bikes produced during the shift from HRD to Vincent branding, with the HRD logo ground off—marking a unique moment in the company’s history. Per the accompanying Vincent Owners Club certificate, it is a numbers-matching motorcycle.

The bike underwent a comprehensive refurbishment under its previous owner, including an engine rebuild by Mike White, a revered Canadian restorer and Vincent guru. The rebuild included 6.8:1 Black Shadow pistons, enhancing performance while retaining period-correct integrity. The Amal Concentric 928 carburetors offer improved fuel delivery and reliability. Refreshed and ready for the open road, this transition model Rapide is ready for its next enthusiast.

Highlights 

• Powered by an air-cooled 998cc V-twin engine with Black Shadow pistons 

• Numbers-matching example with Vincent Owners Club dating certificate 

• Finished in classic black with polished alloy and chrome accents 

• Rebuilt Amal Concentric 928 carburetors 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Upgrades/Maintenance 

• Hill center stand added 

• New petcocks 

Features 

• Vincent Owners Club documentation included 

• Lucas headlamp with integrated amps gauge 

• Smith speedometer (reset at refurbishment) 

• 3.5-gallon fuel tank 

• Like-new tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Minor cosmetic wear consistent with age 

• Some components show patina 

Included 

• Factory engine spec sheet and “Works Order Form” dated August 19, 1949 

Ownership History

This 1951 Vincent Rapide has been under current ownership since its acquisition in Illinois. The seller states it’s “been stored in a climate-controlled environment and ridden sparingly, with regular start-up intervals to maintain mechanical integrity.”