This Series-C Rapide was despatched from the factory to Millars of Mitcham, Surrey on 12th July 1951 and registered 'PPK 345' on the 23rd of that month. Documentation on file includes an old-style logbook for the period February 1960 to June 1967 and a letter, dated 21/10/1982, confirming its sale by Team Surtees Ltd of Edenbridge, Kent to a Mr Whitehead of Seaford, Sussex. The letter is signed by John Surtees himself. On 24th August 1986 Mr Whitehead sold the Rapide to a Mr Poskett of London SE4, from whom it was purchased by the current vendor on 25th May 1989 (see bills of sale on file).

The vendor advises us that the rev-counter and speedometer were reconditioned in 1998 and the odometer reset to zero. (The latter now shows 8,065 miles). A full professional rebuild of the engine/clutch/gearbox was carried out in February 2002 (at 4,200 miles) and the electrics converted to 12-volt. Earlier this year the magneto and dynamo were professionally reconditioned, a new exhaust fitted and numerous items re-chromed and re-sprayed, including the petrol tank.

Its owner for 20 years, the vendor says that the Rapide is very easy to start and is reliable. The owner of other classic motorcycles and cars, he has covered only a limited mileage on the Vincent, which has always been well looked after and kept in very good condition. Nevertheless, at nearly 68 years of age he feels it is time to pass the machine on for another enthusiast to enjoy. Presented in generally excellent condition, 'PPK 345' is offered with the aforementioned documentation; sundry restoration invoices; assorted expired MoT certificates and tax discs; Vincent-HRD Owners Club dating certificate confirming all matching numbers (frame/engine/registration); Swansea V5C; current road fund licence; and MoT to August 2010.