Registration No: Unregistered (previously 'MGP 243')
Frame No: RC9189B
MOT: Exempt

• A hugely exciting ‘barn find’ that has been off the road for most of its life
• Dry stored even prior to entering the current ownership in 1988
• All factory correct numbers
• Engine turns over

This exceptionally exciting Black Shadow has been off the road since at least the late 1970s, when the DVLA computerised their records and, indeed, is thought to have last seen regular usage the previous decade. Barn stored for the majority of its life, the Vincent had already been mothballed for years by the time it entered the current family ownership in 1988. The vendor spent five years persuading his predecessor to relinquish the Black Shadow and had every intention of being the one to ride it again. However, life and work commitments meant that the bike has spent the last thirty-six years becoming more and more entombed. It took our Head of Motorcycles, Mike Davis, over two and half hours of furniture moving before the Black Shadow even became visible. Inspired by Mike’s efforts, the seller continued the excavation the day after and found its petrol tank (sadly, after the catalogue photos had been taken). Pleasingly, the Vincent Owner’s Club have confirmed that the Black Shadow still sports all its correct numbers. Mike was amazed to discover the engine had not seized and that the bike rolls freely. Accompanying paperwork shows that the Black Shadow was sold by Conways to a Mr Sullivan for £291 12s 6d in 1955 and despatched to Vincent Engineers during September and October that same year for refurbishment and fettling. A final visit to Vincent Engineers on 23rd June 1961 is recorded too. Given that the Black Shadow has been hidden from view for so long, but is seemingly so highly original, the Vincent Owners’ Club have told us that they would be delighted to help a new custodian get it re-registered with the DVLA. ‘Barn finds’ rarely come much better!

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217