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!