The latest motorcycle to be wheeled into the studio of French master photographers Guerry & Prat is this 1951 Vincent Rapide. And it suits their signature monochromatic style perfectly. When it appeared in 1946, the Vincent Rapide became the fastest production motorcycle on sale, with a top speed of 110mph.
The owner of the Vincent in the picture bought his bike twenty years ago when it was in a very sorry state, and spent ten years restoring it. According to Vincent Prat, “The only major tools of its owner are a drill and a vise, but patience and perfectionism have allowed him to achieve a high degree of excellence.”
The 998cc V-Twin is original apart from a few details, such as an Alton generator and improvements to oil filtration, and the bike is ridden regularly.
The story of the Vincent Rapide is well documented, so I’ll just leave you with these lovely images, taken with a 22-megapixel Phase One camera. If only more classic motorcycles were captured so well.
For more examples of Guerry & Prat photographic brilliance, check out this Honda CB450 and of course the CP Project #1 Triton.
