LOT 513
1951 Vincent 998cc Series-C Black Shadow Registration no. FFR 69 Frame no. RC9234B Engine no. F10AB/1B/7334
Sold for £64,400 inc. premium
Lot 513
1951 Vincent 998cc Series-C Black ShadowRegistration no. FFR 69 Frame no. RC9234B Engine no. F10AB/1B/7334
1951 Vincent 998cc Series-C Black Shadow
Registration no. FFR 69
Frame no. RC9234B
Engine no. F10AB/1B/7334
Registration no. FFR 69
Frame no. RC9234B
Engine no. F10AB/1B/7334
Rear Frame No. RC9234B (see text)
Crankcase Mating nos. SS89 / SS89
• Matching numbers (see text)
• Restored in the late 1980s
• Professionally stored since October 2013
'A good Shadow is no anti-climax: it exudes class and performance.' – Classic Bike magazine testing 'FFR 69' in 2007.
Ever since the Series A's arrival in 1937, the Vincent v-twin has been synonymous with design innovation, engineering excellence and superlative high performance. Nevertheless, even the most fastidious of manufacturers sometimes makes mistakes and this Series-C Black Shadow is a case in point, its frame number having been incorrectly stamped at the factory. On the works record card, 'RC9234B' has been written over a crossed-out entry - 'RC9224B' - but although this mistake was corrected on the rear frame, the second '2' being over-stamped by a '3', it was not corrected on the main frame member (see copies of the works records, VOC correspondence and Certificate of Authenticity on file). Engine and crankcase mating numbers are correct. The Shadow was despatched to Whittaker's of Blackpool and registered 'FFR 69', a Blackpool Borough Council mark.
The immediately preceding owner bought the machine in January 2000 from Mrs Mary Haigh, who had owned it for six years (receipt on file). Owners prior to Mrs Haigh were John Ruff (1989-1994) and Ernest Wright. Mr Wright's name appears on an old-style (post-1971 type) logbook photocopy on file but it is not known whether or not he was the first owner. Accompanying invoices appear to indicate that the Vincent was restored in the late 1980s prior to its sale to John Ruff. While with the preceding owner, the Shadow was fastidiously maintained, as evidenced by numerous bills contained within the comprehensive history file (inspection recommended). So it comes as no surprise to learn that 'FFR 69' was chosen as an excellent representative of the marque for Classic Bike magazine's feature (July 2007 edition, copy available). The Shadow has also featured in a VOC DVD (copy available).
Last taxed to 2012, the machine continued to be ridden regularly on private roads until it was purchased by the current vendor at Bonhams' Stafford Sale in October 2013 (Lot 344). At that time the Vincent was described as in generally very good/excellent condition, starting and running well. For the last five years it has been professionally stored. Noteworthy upgrades include Borrani alloy wheel rims, VOC-supplied centre stand, stainless steel mudguards, and an electronic voltage regulator. This well restored and equally well maintained Black Shadow is offered with a V5C document and the aforementioned history file.
Crankcase Mating nos. SS89 / SS89
• Matching numbers (see text)
• Restored in the late 1980s
• Professionally stored since October 2013
'A good Shadow is no anti-climax: it exudes class and performance.' – Classic Bike magazine testing 'FFR 69' in 2007.
Ever since the Series A's arrival in 1937, the Vincent v-twin has been synonymous with design innovation, engineering excellence and superlative high performance. Nevertheless, even the most fastidious of manufacturers sometimes makes mistakes and this Series-C Black Shadow is a case in point, its frame number having been incorrectly stamped at the factory. On the works record card, 'RC9234B' has been written over a crossed-out entry - 'RC9224B' - but although this mistake was corrected on the rear frame, the second '2' being over-stamped by a '3', it was not corrected on the main frame member (see copies of the works records, VOC correspondence and Certificate of Authenticity on file). Engine and crankcase mating numbers are correct. The Shadow was despatched to Whittaker's of Blackpool and registered 'FFR 69', a Blackpool Borough Council mark.
The immediately preceding owner bought the machine in January 2000 from Mrs Mary Haigh, who had owned it for six years (receipt on file). Owners prior to Mrs Haigh were John Ruff (1989-1994) and Ernest Wright. Mr Wright's name appears on an old-style (post-1971 type) logbook photocopy on file but it is not known whether or not he was the first owner. Accompanying invoices appear to indicate that the Vincent was restored in the late 1980s prior to its sale to John Ruff. While with the preceding owner, the Shadow was fastidiously maintained, as evidenced by numerous bills contained within the comprehensive history file (inspection recommended). So it comes as no surprise to learn that 'FFR 69' was chosen as an excellent representative of the marque for Classic Bike magazine's feature (July 2007 edition, copy available). The Shadow has also featured in a VOC DVD (copy available).
Last taxed to 2012, the machine continued to be ridden regularly on private roads until it was purchased by the current vendor at Bonhams' Stafford Sale in October 2013 (Lot 344). At that time the Vincent was described as in generally very good/excellent condition, starting and running well. For the last five years it has been professionally stored. Noteworthy upgrades include Borrani alloy wheel rims, VOC-supplied centre stand, stainless steel mudguards, and an electronic voltage regulator. This well restored and equally well maintained Black Shadow is offered with a V5C document and the aforementioned history file.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
It should be noted, the front mudguard displays some minor damage (please see the online images). Per the description the upper frame member is stamped RC9224B. This was stamped incorrectly at the factory and not corrected.
Additional information
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