294Single family ownership since 1959; seven-year restoration to concours standard1939 Vincent-HRD 998cc Series-A RapideRegistration no. FYO 967Frame no. DV 1773Rear Frame no. DV 1773Engine no. V1076Of all the many makes and models of motorcycle produced duringthe 1930s, there are two outstanding v-twin-engined thoroughbredsthat feature at the top of every knowledgeable enthusiast’s ‘fantasybarn find’ league table: the Brough Superior SS100 and Vincent-HRDSeries-A Rapide. These days the chances of finding an example ofeither hidden behind a pile of straw bales are slim indeed, all the moreso in the case of the ultra-rare Series-A Rapide, a mere 78 of whichwere produced between late 1936 and the summer of 1939. (Expertopinion differs on this point, but most authorities favour a total in thehigh 70s). By way of comparison, production of the rival SS100 raninto the hundreds.The Vincent-HRD marque originated in 1928 when Philip C Vincentacquired the name, jigs, tools and patterns of the recently liquidatedHRD Company. (‘HRD’ stood for Howard Raymond Davies, theIsle of Man TT winner who had founded the firm in 1924). Vincentmoved production from Wolverhampton to Stevenage, pioneering hisown design of sprung frame on an entirely new range of machines.Like Davies, Vincent relied on proprietary engines but increasingdissatisfaction with suppliers led to the creation of Vincent’s ownengine in 1934. A 500cc high-camshaft overhead-valve single, thisall-new power unit was designed jointly by PCV and his Chief EngineerPhil Irving who, so legend has it, came up with the idea of a 1,000ccv-twin after seeing two drawings of the single superimposed on oneanother. By producing a v-twin in this fashion, many of the existingsingle-cylinder components could be utilised, thus reducing costs, animportant factor for the fledgling concern.Despite its plethora of external oil pipes - an arrangement that gaverise to the famous ‘Plumber’s Nightmare’ sobriquet - the Series-Av-twin is undeniably handsome, its high-set camshafts and relativelyshort cylinders endowing this magnificent motorcycle with a muscular,broad-shouldered look. On test, the prototype engine proved to be aspowerful as its looks suggested, delivering a maximum of 45bhp at5,500rpm on a relatively low 6.8:1 compression ratio. It was installedin a new version of Vincent’s sprung frame equipped with Burmanfour-speed gearbox, girder front fork and powerful twin front brakes,the complete machine tipping the scales at an admirable 430lbs. Onthe road the Series-A Rapide fulfilled all of its maker’s expectations,proving capable of reaching 110mph, comfortably faster than the rivalJAP-powered SS100.The prototype Series-A Rapide was proudly displayed on Vincent’sstand at the 1936 Motor Cycle Show at Olympia but only a handfulwere sold in 1937, the first full year of production, as the motorcyclingpublic remained sceptical of the upstart firm’s performance claims.This scepticism was soon dispelled by the exploits of the worksSeries-A racers piloted by Manliffe Barrington and ‘Ginger’ Wood, thelatter shattering the Donington Park lap record in 1938 and returning astaggering standing quarter-mile time of 11.75 seconds at the Gatwicksprint.78 | the spring stafford sale
The outbreak of WW2 in 1939 brought production of all Series-Amodels to a halt, and when Vincent resumed production in 1946, itwas with the all-new Series-B. By July ‘39 when the last Series-A twinwas built, the model had been in production for a little over 30 months,and the fact that so few were made has in no small part contributed tothis legendary model’s mythic status. It is estimated that around 60-65 Series-A Vincent twins survive worldwide today, and for one to beoffered for sale is an event of exceptional importance.First registered on 4th October 1939, this ultra-rare Vincent Series-Atwin is believed to be the penultimate example completed beforeproduction ceased. The factory records list only one higher enginenumber, ‘V1077’, which is dated 1940. For the last 55-plus years‘FYO 967’ has belonged to the current vendor’s family, having beenpurchased by the owner’s late father, William Henry ‘Harry’ Lloyd,in August 1959. The accompanying old-style continuation logbook,issued December 1958, lists only one owner prior to Harry Lloyd: MrPhilip L Johnston of Liverpool, who had acquired the Vincent in April1955. Its previous history is not known.The ranks of Vincent owners contain a disproportionately high numberof engineers, Harry Lloyd among them. He served his engineeringapprenticeship during WW2 and went on to work for severalmanufacturing companies, including Lucas Aerospace as a toolmaker.In a letter to Motorcycle Sport magazine (October 1969 edition), Harryrecalled that he first encountered the Rapide when it was ‘on its wayto the breaker’s yard with a wrecked gearbox and minus wheels andother bits and pieces.’motorcycles | 79
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