Registration No: RLO 438
Frame No: RD 12754B
Engine No: F10AB/2B/10854
CC: 1000
MOT: Exempt

• One of only about 144 Series D Black Shadows made
• Stood for a while but engine turns over on kickstarter
• Matching numbers, buff log book and a current V5

PLEASE NOTE. What looks to be the original 5" speedo has now been found and incredibly a spare one as well, both will be included in the sale.

Vincent’s origins date back to 1924 when TT winner Howard R Davies started producing motorcycles under his own name. In 1928 HRD was acquired by Phil Vincent who initially built bikes as Vincent HRD until 1949 and then Vincent thereafter. Initially producing bikes using proprietary engines in his own chassis, Vincent was always the innovator by the mid-30s he had developed his own 500cc single and 1000cc twin-cylinder designs that survived until the company's closure in 1955. Already advertising their existing 110 mph Rapide machine as "The world's fastest production motorcycle", in February 1948 the legendary Black Shadow was announced with a top speed of 125 mph. The big vee twin was the fastest motorcycle in the world at the time and with some astute marketing become the bike everyone aspired to own. The Rapide and Black Shadow range have become some of the most desirable and iconic bikes of the era.

This 1955 Series D Black Shadow is part of a deceased estate and has been stood for a number of years. The engine turns over on the kickstarter but it has not been run for a while so will require a good recommissioning or restoration before use. The engine and frame numbers have been verified by the Vincent owners Club and are the correct 1900 apart, with matching crankcase half numbers of H27V, and it appears to have survived in essentially original condition. Approximately only 144 Series 'Ds' were produced and they were the last bikes to leave the Stevenage factory before motorcycle production ceased in December 1955. It comes supplied with a spare 5" speedo, few old MOTS, old photos, manuals and a buff log book showing its last change of owner as taking place in 1967 together with a current V5C.

For more information, please contact:
Ian Cunningham
ian.cunningham@handh.co.uk
07415 871189