Vincent HRD Series B Rapide
Years: 1946 – 1951
Vincent HRD - All Models
About Vincent HRD
Country of Origin:
United Kingdom
Founder:
Howard R. Davies (HRD), later acquired by Philip Vincent
Best Known For:
Precursor branding to Vincent; early performance singles and twins
Company History
Before the Vincent name stood alone, HRD marked machines that already chased speed and engineering elegance. When Philip Vincent acquired HRD, the combined Vincent HRD badge signaled a step change: advanced frames, powerful engines, and bold ideas like stressed-member construction. The HRD period bridges racing ambition with roadgoing refinement, laying groundwork for the Rapide and Black Shadow. As branding simplified to Vincent, HRD remained etched on timing covers and history books—a reminder that great marques often start as mergers of vision and expertise.
