1948 Vincent HRD Series B Rapide

The Vincent Rapide needs no introduction, it was the fastest standard motorcycle in production when it was launched in 1946. A mechanical marvel it was too,  with its unit-construction 998cc V-Twin engine that doubled as a stressed structural member eliminating the traditional frame.  

The Vincent Series B Rapide offered exceptional performance, reliability, and handling. Producing around 45 horsepower, it could exceed 110 mph—extraordinary for its day.

The Series B Rapide is considered by many to give better handling compared to the Series C, due to its slightly shorter wheelbase. Incidentally, the Series B Rapide is also rarer to find nowadays, as it was produced in much smaller numbers. 

This magnificent 1948 Vincent HRD Series B Rapide was restored to a very high level in the late 2010s. The engine and frame numbers are 1990 apart confirming ‘matching numbers’ for an early Series B, however the RFM has been re-stamped at some point with the correct frame number. The rear frame is the correct shorter Series B rear frame with upright seats stays. 

The original brown logbook is still with the B Rapide and shows it was first registered on the 8th of May 1948 to Sir William John Lord Fraser of Stockport who would keep the Vincent until 1971. For someone to keep their motorcycle for such a long period, at a time when British motorcycles were increasingly seen as obsolete, tells you a thing or two about a dedicated owner. The first owner must have enjoyed the Vincent, because at one point, the front fork was upgraded to the Girdraulic front fork, first introduced on Vincents in 1949. The registration number is still the original UK registration number from 1948. 

Today the speedo reads 15.700 Miles, and this Series B Rapide is in beautiful, near mint condition and ready to be enjoyed on the road. 

The B Rapide comes with a current UK V5, the original logbook, and all EU import duties paid.

Please get in touch for more photos, information and a video of the Vincent running.

We ship anywhere in the world at competitive rates and have great experience shipping all over Europe, US, Japan and Australia.