People like ‘barn finds’. They stir the imagination and, more importantly, frequently present collectors with a prime restoration project – a machine that has stood untouched for years, stands a good chance of being especially original. Such was the 1954 Vincent Series C V-twin Rapide in H&H’s inaugural Duxford Imperial War Museum motorcycle and bicycle sale of October 10. Though apparently only lacking the dynamo drive cover, it nevertheless was in need of a total restoration, yet was so stunningly original and unmolested that it made £18,700!
Back in February, H&H achieved a record £39,600 for the last ever Vincent produced – a 1955 Black Prince. Now they have another of these rare machines to offer and it currently headlines the company’s October sale at the Duxford Imperial War Museum on October 10. This near concours motorcycle has spent most of its life in South Africa, returning to the UK just three years ago –£38,000-42,000.