Post Listing Update: This Rapide got no interest at the asking price of $75,000.
Sold between 1936 and 1955, the Vincent Rapide was a legendary motorcycle. The Series B Rapide was introduced in 1946 and it was instantly the world’s fastest production motorcycle with a top speed over 110 miles per hour.
The Rapide’s 998cc V-twin was good for 45 horsepower, which yielded about 50 miles per gallon on top of the blistering top speed for the time. For more information and a pleasant story by Neale Bayly about riding a Series B Rapide, check out this article from Motorcycle Classics.
This Rapide is said to be “number 694 manufactured in March 1948.” It was crated for shipment on April 22, 1948 and sent to Argentina (among about 430 other Vincents) as part of a package where England paid off a debt involving cattle: “A diplomatic mission by the British Lord Willingdon arranged commercial treaties whereby Argentina sent thousands of cattle to Britain at no charge, decorated with the Argentine colours and with the phrase “good luck” written on them.”
In 2002, this bike was imported into the US. It has many new parts and the engine was re-bored. It’s said to run excellent, start nicely, and shift like butter. Find this Rapide for sale in Summerfield, Florida with a BIN of $75,000
This bike-uriousity brought to you by Rob B!