Registration No: MVS 519
Frame No: RC12569B
MOT: Exempt

• Exquisitely restored by a marque specialist in 2015 and only ridden two miles since, due to the vendor's work commitments
• A potential show winner, replica crankcases, 12v electrics, Alton dynamo and electric start
• One of two bikes claiming the same identity. The other is in Australia but this one has a UK V5C Registration Document
• Started up and run on the 8th February 2020.

PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press we have been informed the Vincent Owners’ Club are confident that the other motorcycle bearing frame number RC12569B (which is located in Australia) is the one built by the factory in period. As far as we are aware, the UK road registered machine we are offering has never had its frame number stampings independently verified by removing the paint and / or x-ray etc.

Vincent Motorcycles, 'the maker of the world's fastest motorcycles' was established in 1928 when Phil Vincent bought the rights to HRD Motors Ltd after the company went into voluntary liquidation. With the backing of his family, wealthy from cattle ranching in Argentina, Vincent acquired the trademark, goodwill and remaining components for £450, renaming the new company Vincent HRD. Initially, motorcycles were sold under the HRD brand name, using their own chassis with proprietary engines, however, in 1934 two new engines were developed, a 500cc single and a 1000cc V-twin. Always the innovator, Vincent now had full control over his products and began introducing many design features that proved to be way ahead of their time, such as cantilever rear suspension. The 1000cc V-twin was 'the fastest motorcycle in the world' at the time and with some astute marketing become the bike everyone aspired to own, the Rapides and the Black Shadows have become some of the most desirable and iconic bikes of the era.

This 1955 Vincent Black Shadow was subject to a comprehensive restoration some 10 years ago by a renowned Vincent restorer. This machine benefits from 12v electrics, electric start, and an Alton alternator at the time of build. The previous vendor had the Vincent in the house up until he sold it to the current owner. The Black Shadow had new crankcases from John Wyatt at the time of restoration as the old ones were badly damaged, and this allowed for the fitment of the electric start. During the build, it has been fitted with the following, Godden cylinder heads, Holder barrels and liners, Holder outer cases, Maughan gearbox cover, Omega 7-5-1 pistons Magun crankshaft, Corrilllo Rods, Gary Robinson Mk1 camshaft, V2 clutch, Maughan camshaft and pinion BTH magneto. Alton Alternator, Amal 229 and 289 carburettors, and all stainless fittings. The machine has been run from time to time since ownership and has formed part of a collection of machines. Some very light recommissioning would be advised before placing it back on the road. Once it has been checked over, it would make for an extremely rideable Vincent Black Shadow. The Vincent comes complete with a current V5C.

PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press we have been informed the Vincent Owners’ Club are confident that the other motorcycle bearing frame number RC12569B (which is located in Australia) is the one built by the factory in period. As far as we are aware, the UK road registered machine we are offering has never had its frame number stampings independently verified by removing the paint and / or x-ray etc.

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