LOT 514
1955 Vincent 998cc Black Prince Registration no. RYM 280 Frame no. RD12848B/F Rear Frame no. RD12848 Engine no. F10AB/2B/10948 Crankcase mating no. 26V
Sold for £46,000 inc. premium
Lot 514
1955 Vincent 998cc Black PrinceRegistration no. RYM 280 Frame no. RD12848B/F Rear Frame no. RD12848 Engine no. F10AB/2B/10948 Crankcase mating no. 26V
1955 Vincent 998cc Black Prince
Registration no. RYM 280
Frame no. RD12848B/F Rear Frame no. RD12848
Engine no. F10AB/2B/10948 Crankcase mating no. 26V
Registration no. RYM 280
Frame no. RD12848B/F Rear Frame no. RD12848
Engine no. F10AB/2B/10948 Crankcase mating no. 26V
• The ultimate Vincent motorcycle
• Matching numbers
• Present ownership since 1979
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. It had been Philip Vincent's belief that provision of ample weather protection combined with enclosure of engine and gearbox, would make the Vincent Series-D the ultimate 'gentleman's motorcycle' and to reflect this change of emphasis the enclosed Rapide and Black Shadow were known as Black Knight and Black Prince respectively. In actuality, delayed delivery of the glassfibre panels - plus continuing demand for traditionally styled models - resulted in over half the production leaving the Stevenage factory in un-enclosed form.
Other Series-D innovations included a new frame and rear suspension, a steel tube replaced the original fabricated upper member/oil tank while the paired spring boxes gave way to a single hydraulic coil-spring/damper unit offering a generous 7" of suspension travel. In place of the integral oil reservoir there was a separate tank beneath the seat. The user-friendly hand-operated centre stand was a welcome addition, and there were many improvements to the peerless v-twin engine including coil ignition for easier starting and Amal Monobloc carburettors. Sadly though, the Shadow's magnificent 5"-diameter Smiths speedometer had been replaced by a standard 3" unit.
Unfortunately for Philip Vincent, his vision of the Series-D as a two-wheeled Grande Routière just did not conform to the public's perception of the Vincent as the ultimate sports motorcycle. The firm lost money on every machine made, and when production ceased in December 1955 around 460 Series-D v-twins had been built, some 200 of which were enclosed models.
The current vendor bought this Black Prince in 1979 from its original purchaser, complete with detached Watsonian sidecar (since sold). The Vincent was added to a growing collection and run and ridden occasionally. In 2005 it was given to one of the owner's sons when the collection was sold. Last run over 10 years ago, 'RYM 280' will require re-commissioning, at the very least, before further use. Noteworthy features include factory sidecar fittings and 18" alloy wheel rims. Presented in original condition, the machine is offered with an old-style V5C document, the 1979 purchase receipt, and its original handbook, warranty, and spare parts catalogue.
• Matching numbers
• Present ownership since 1979
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. It had been Philip Vincent's belief that provision of ample weather protection combined with enclosure of engine and gearbox, would make the Vincent Series-D the ultimate 'gentleman's motorcycle' and to reflect this change of emphasis the enclosed Rapide and Black Shadow were known as Black Knight and Black Prince respectively. In actuality, delayed delivery of the glassfibre panels - plus continuing demand for traditionally styled models - resulted in over half the production leaving the Stevenage factory in un-enclosed form.
Other Series-D innovations included a new frame and rear suspension, a steel tube replaced the original fabricated upper member/oil tank while the paired spring boxes gave way to a single hydraulic coil-spring/damper unit offering a generous 7" of suspension travel. In place of the integral oil reservoir there was a separate tank beneath the seat. The user-friendly hand-operated centre stand was a welcome addition, and there were many improvements to the peerless v-twin engine including coil ignition for easier starting and Amal Monobloc carburettors. Sadly though, the Shadow's magnificent 5"-diameter Smiths speedometer had been replaced by a standard 3" unit.
Unfortunately for Philip Vincent, his vision of the Series-D as a two-wheeled Grande Routière just did not conform to the public's perception of the Vincent as the ultimate sports motorcycle. The firm lost money on every machine made, and when production ceased in December 1955 around 460 Series-D v-twins had been built, some 200 of which were enclosed models.
The current vendor bought this Black Prince in 1979 from its original purchaser, complete with detached Watsonian sidecar (since sold). The Vincent was added to a growing collection and run and ridden occasionally. In 2005 it was given to one of the owner's sons when the collection was sold. Last run over 10 years ago, 'RYM 280' will require re-commissioning, at the very least, before further use. Noteworthy features include factory sidecar fittings and 18" alloy wheel rims. Presented in original condition, the machine is offered with an old-style V5C document, the 1979 purchase receipt, and its original handbook, warranty, and spare parts catalogue.
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
The upper and rear frame number is RD12848B/F. The crankcase mating number is I26V.
Additional information
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