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Here you'll find a hobbyist's restoration of a 1950 Vincent Red Touring Rapide, this machine was acquired after a seven year search for this specific model. Acquisition proved to be just the start of an even more challenging undertaking; the complete three year restoration of this machine in my garage with only minimal activities vendored out and all external parts preserved. The objective of this particular restoration was an aesthetically pleasing machine, but more importantly, with total mechanical integrity for reliable long distance riding, for which it has far exceeded my expectations over the last 6 years. I hope this web page not only provides some entertainment - doubtfully any education - but may act as a catalyst to pursue that unobtainable machine you've long desired and to then experience the satisfaction of laying your hand on every piece on the path to resurrecting that machine and fulfilling your long held riding experience expectations. This one certainly has like none that have preceded it!
Pass your mouse over the images for an explanation, click for a larger view and good luck with your restoration. Cheers, Peter. |
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Now older and less inclined to wrestle my Red Rapide out of the house for every ride, would like to purchase a complete slightly crusty/unmolested not-necessarily running matching number Vincent C Series Shadow - something like this - to mechanically restore, like the 1946 Indian Chief, as a dusty trail horse to keep for ready access in the garage. Please contact me regarding your machine. |
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No marque has a more rabid following of owners improving the breed for which I am a neophyte at this stage by comparison. Consider these the observations of a rank amateur having built and operated a Vincent completely in a vacuum - having no local contacts - bringing only a broad based mechanical acumen refined over 38 years of achieving satisfactory results to this equation. To that end, as a restoration, beyond just easy starting and running flawlessly for 7 years, it has performed at a level unapproachable by any machine of its era and my experience. Short of addressing every single element to ensure your Vincent would endure a Tony Rose-type one year 100,000 test, here are a few tips accumulated from experience building/operating mine and assisting others with theirs that may help yours be a generally more pleasant and reliable machine. This list is not remotely comprehensive, I'd recommend E.M.G. Steven's Know the Beast and Paul Richardson's Vincent for step-by-step guidance and will defer to the TheVincent.com as well where you can find excellent recommendations by component group.  
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Here is a list of product and service providers along with a smattering of the more educational and entertaining reading material available for this storied marque. 
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The following are various images of an unmolested original paint low mileage machine for your reference. |
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The motorized two wheel side of a 40 year 4 wheel - and even one wheel - mechanical journey has distilled itself down to the following machines...at least for the moment. Pass your mouse over the link for a pic and overview and click for the full story. The 1948 Indian Chief is the latest to be put online. Next up will be my latest restoration - the 1941 Indian 4 - be looking for it online soon with the others where indicated to follow. 
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