For Sale 1938 Vincent HRD SERIES A Twin Rapide - ?

[vinhrd998]

1938 Vincent HRD SERIES A Twin Rapide | eBay

After World War 2, the whole layout of the machine would morph into the Series-B Rapide and beyond. This is a pristine and running example of one of the world rarest motorcycles with a spectacular correct restoration completed by a renowned Vincent expert.

www.ebay.com

 

[vin998]

This non matching numbers bike reached $250,000 (£191,000) at Mecum Auction in Las Vegas Jan 2020 but didn't sell.

 

[vinhrd998]

Yes seems to be the same bike.

 

[Graham Smith]

The current owner has been trying to flog that bike for ages.

 

[ClassicBiker]

I suspect he has an inflated sense of its worth, is fishing to see what he could get for it as he wants to list it as collateral for a loan, or more likely really doesn't want to sell it but must appear to be trying for some other reason. Asking $1.1 million on ebay for it does not seem reasonable. I suspect he had a very high reserve at the Mecum auction and that is why at $250, 000 it didn't sell.

 

[Vincent Brake]

Pitty its to far away, being in these strange days.

 

[Marcus Bowden]

Now is your chance Vincent to get one but it does seem a little high. Not even Harvey could afford it, but then he already has one but a little worn now.

 

[CollingsBob]

It’s unrealistic to expect top dollar for a non- numbers matching bike. I very much doubt that there is such a thing as a potential Series “A” buyer that isn‘t extremely knowledgeable about the model.

 

[Albervin]

If I remember correctly, Bill bought all of Chas Williams' bikes. I guess that until he sells this he is not in profit. None of my business of course but I think the highest price paid for an "A" Rapide is about $500,000.

 

[LoneStar]

From the auction listing:

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Twin Cylinder 998cc power plant
• Engine #V1016 (January 1938)
• Frame #DV1755 1939
• VOC Certificate

What exactly is the VOC certifying here?

 

[Albervin]

My guess is the dating of the frame and engine. I would also like to ask ; what changes were made to the pre-war Rapide frame during production?

 

[vin998]

From the auction listing:

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Twin Cylinder 998cc power plant
• Engine #V1016 (January 1938)
• Frame #DV1755 1939
• VOC Certificate

What exactly is the VOC certifying here?

THe current VOC certificates are a basic dating certificate which dates the engine and frame numbers via the Vincent factroy records. These certificates do no more and do NOT "authenticate" the bike even though sellers like to refer to it as such. The VOC stopped issuing Authentication certificates in 2005.

The Dating certificate for this bike in question basically shows:
The main frame (UFM) is from a 1939 Rapide
The engine is from a different 1938 Rapide
The RFM has no number and so cannot be identified as to what machine its from.

So as I mentioned in post 2 above, this is a non matching numbers bike.

I guess the numbers will effect its value, but the market forces will decide that. From what I have seen of series A Rapide prices a big chunk of their value is the rarity and especially matching numbers which buyers will pay a hefty premium for to the point that non matching numbers series A Rapides have sold for up to 50% less than fully matching numbers bikes. The Mecum auction highest bid of $250,000 shows that, but the bike didn't sell.

 

[ray vinmad]

So it's a million Dollar riders bike, rather than a collectors item!
Is that right?
Ray

 

[LoneStar]

What's important is to get a discount. For instance, I'm asking $2 million for my Series C Black Shadow - but this week only, forum members are eligible for an 80% discount! Use coupon code 'BARGAIN'...

PS - It's been worked on by people who once viewed movies in which Steve McQueen appeared!

 

[Gary Gittleson]

How's it go? She danced with a boy who danced with a girl who danced with the prince of Wales. Noel Coward, I think.

I'd part with my Rapide for just under $1 million. I worked on it but only saw McQueen on TV. And no discount.