Vincent HRD 1947 Rapide combination 998 cc 2 cyl ohv

Vincent HRD 1947 Touring Rapide 998 cc V-twin with Watsonian Monaco MK1 sidecar frame # F10AB4448 engine # F10AB/1/448

Introduced in 1946, the Vincent-HRD Series-B Rapide was immediately the fastest production motorcycle on sale anywhere, with a top speed of 110 mph. 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 1950 “HRD” disappeared from the logo; the machines were renamed “The Vincent”. Production of all Vincents stopped at the end of 1955. Vincents were indeed legendary in their own lifetime, and in the more than 60 years since production ceased, the esteem in which this iconic motorcycle is held has only increased.
This unique Vincent HRD Touring Rapide combination is in top condition and comes with the original touring mudguards, original cow horn handlebars, longer cables (new), Vincent Touring wheel sizes (front 19” and rear 18’’) and an extra lower-geared rear sprocket for the sidecar. The engine type is the most sought-after early B-type engine with matching case numbers, the frame numbers are non-matching.
The former owner has had custody of this completely restored machine since 1991 and regretfully had to part with it due to personal circumstances. Restoration was done by Dutch Vincent specialist the late Harry Vermeulen in conjunction with Conway Motors with no limit to cost. Across the entire machine all internals are new, stainless-steel fasteners replace the originals, with very good chrome and paintwork.
The complete combination is an older restoration (~3500 km), partly driven as a sidecar combination. The engine has been later replaced by a completely rebuilt engine (case number 448), which is the correct engine number for the motorcycle documents. It has only been started for timing and carburettors tuning and has not been driven (zero kilometers) after completion.
The sidecar is the original Watsonian Mk1 Monaco sidecar that was produced from 1955 to 1958. It was at the time the most expensive sidecar and less than 50 have been produced, only a few are known to have survived. It has a canvas flat cover, an original top cover with frame, and easy entrance via a fantastic sidecar door.

This is a beautifully-detailed combination that has clearly been loved and cherished by the former owner. The sidecar in particular has a lovely finish, with beautiful paintwork, a well-functioning sidecar door and high-quality leather upholstery.
This one has an aluminum center section and a fiberglass nose & rear end, first fiberglass usage for a sidecar in the world, and should be also a perfect combination with a Vincent Knight or Prince, both new in 1955, a story has been written about such a combination (July 14, 1955) in the book “Vincent from 1938” by Cyril Ayton.
It is a point of interest that the Vincent Motorcycle Company made special provisions for the addition of a sidecar to its machines, and these were closely followed in the fitting of this Watsonian sidecar, original Vincent connection pieces are used.

Extras and special details:

– Delivered with two HRD petrol tanks, the original one from this motorcycle, not used after restoration and one larger tank, made by Paul Adams (high-quality and aluminium). This larger tank is currently installed and looks perfect on this touring model.
– Black Shadow 5” speedometer (250 km/h) and a 5” mechanical rev counter.
– Delivered with extra support for only the speedometer.
– Specific for sidecar usage, a new Vincent V2 clutch (Ducati plates) has been installed.
– Delivered with a set of 4 ribbed brake drums (Black Shadow type), ready to be installed.
– Just installed a new extra strong battery and a Vincent centre stand.
– Delivered with the 2 original engine plates, for when the centre stand is not used.
– The sidecar footbrake will be delivered separately (in the sidecar rear trunk) and provisions are made so that it can be installed in a few minutes.

This gorgeous combination comes with Dutch (EU) documents for solo as well as for sidecar use (vehicle category L4e) and, the former owner informs us, is easy to start.

Additional pictures available on request