#vincent rapide

Michael FitzSimons drag raced against this Vincent Rapide modified for racing in Detroit as a teenager. Fifty years later, he found it and restored it to its former glory. Read more at http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-british-motorcycles/classic-vincent-motorcycles/woodward-avenue-vincent-zm0z16sozhur

HRD Vincent Rapide Motorcycle

The Vincent Rapide is a line of standard motorcycles designed and built by the Vincent HRD motorcycle company at their works in Great North Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England. The model debuted in 1936 and was built until 1939. Production resumed in 1946 and ended in 1955. Four major versions were built, labelled Series A through to D, though the Series D designation was never offically used by the factory.

Whilst working in his office at Stevenage in 1936, designer Phil Irving noticed two drawings of the Vincent HRD engine laying on top of each otherin a "V" formation. Irving realised that the 23.5" rearward set of the engine's idler would allow a 1-litre 47" V-twin engine to be built using the same cylinders, heads and valve gear as the Vincent single. The new crankcase could even be built on the existing jigs. When company owner Phil Vincent saw the drawing he was immediately enthusiastic, and a few weeks later the first Vincent thousand had been made, with Meteor upper engine parts mounted on a new crankcase. This first Vincent V-twin engine was installed in a frame originally built for a record attempt by Eric Fernihough.