When:

September 15, 2008
Monday 9:00am - 5:00pm

Website:

Event Website

Detail:

The 1949 Vincent-HRD Series B Rapide Motorcycle and Continental Bullet Sports Side Car
May 20–September 15, 2008

On loan from the Robert Atkins Collection, L8.2008
The English Vincent-HRD was crafted as a top-of-the-line, luxury-class motorcycle. While prized for its power and performance, it is also recognized as one of the first motorcycles to exhibit a definitive emphasis on visual design. It was during the 1930s and 1940s that the profile of the motorcycle as we know it was established. Motorcycles began to look less like souped-up bicycles and more like sculptural, elegant, aggressively designed products of the machine age. Instead of appearing as an awkward, slap-dash assembly of parts, these new motorcycle designs thoughtfully integrated the cycle’s various components in a way that improved functionality and overall aesthetics. Often referred to as glamour bikes, these machines were meant to look as impressive as they performed.

Shown with its streamlined, factory-option side car, the Vincent-HRD exerts its identityas the fastest production motorcycle of its time via its no-nonsense black and gold-leaf color scheme. Unencumbered by a frame, its muscular engine and dramatically sweeping exhaust pipes are bold, communicative elements in its overall design.

This Vincent-HRD and its Continental Bullet Sports Side Car are on loan from Robert