LOT 749
1954 Vincent 998cc Series-C Black Shadow Registration no. OYE 181 Frame no. RC12141B Rear Frame no. RC12141B Engine no. F10AB/1B/10241 Crankcase Mating no. D31V/D31V
Sold for £54,050 inc. premium
Lot 749
1954 Vincent 998cc Series-C Black ShadowRegistration no. OYE 181 Frame no. RC12141B Rear Frame no. RC12141B Engine no. F10AB/1B/10241 Crankcase Mating no. D31V/D31V
1954 Vincent 998cc Series-C Black Shadow
Registration no. OYE 181
Frame no. RC12141B Rear Frame no. RC12141B
Engine no. F10AB/1B/10241 Crankcase Mating no. D31V/D31V
Registration no. OYE 181
Frame no. RC12141B Rear Frame no. RC12141B
Engine no. F10AB/1B/10241 Crankcase Mating no. D31V/D31V
• Matching frame and engine
• Present family ownership since the 1970s
• In storage and not used since the 1970s
• Offered for restoration
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. From Rollie Free's capture of the 'world's fastest production motorcycle' record in 1948 on a tuned Series-B Black Shadow to the final fully enclosed Black Knight and Black Prince, Philip Vincent's stress on appearance and performance is legendary. His machines bristled with innovative features, offering adjustment of brake pedal, footrests, seat height and gear-change lever. The finish was to a very high standard commensurate with the cost of the machine, which was virtually double that of any of its contemporaries.
But above all else it was the v-twin's stupendous performance that captivated motorcyclists, whether they could afford one or not. The appeal of the Vincent, and the Black Shadow in particular, lay in its ability to out-perform just about every other vehicle on the road, and in the early post-war years there was nothing to compare with it. This was a time when the average family sedan was barely capable of reaching 70mph, and not until the advent of Jaguar's XK120 was there a production sports car that could live with the thundering v-twins from Stevenage. With a top speed approaching 120mph and bettering it in the Black Shadow's case, the Vincent v-twin was quite simply the fastest road vehicle of its day.
The vendor's uncle purchased this Black Shadow in the 1970s and placed it in storage (he already owned a Vincent Comet that he used for everyday transport, see Lot 750). Original and in un-restored condition throughout, the Shadow has not been ridden since the 1970s and has never been started while in the vendor's possession. Frame and engine numbers are matching, and the machine has not been modified. The Vincent's mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to its condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding. Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate. Also included in the sale is a quantity of spares to include headlight units; Terry's valve springs; pistons; drive chain; instruction manuals; suspension units x2; exhaust pipes; and ignition coils.
• Present family ownership since the 1970s
• In storage and not used since the 1970s
• Offered for restoration
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. From Rollie Free's capture of the 'world's fastest production motorcycle' record in 1948 on a tuned Series-B Black Shadow to the final fully enclosed Black Knight and Black Prince, Philip Vincent's stress on appearance and performance is legendary. His machines bristled with innovative features, offering adjustment of brake pedal, footrests, seat height and gear-change lever. The finish was to a very high standard commensurate with the cost of the machine, which was virtually double that of any of its contemporaries.
But above all else it was the v-twin's stupendous performance that captivated motorcyclists, whether they could afford one or not. The appeal of the Vincent, and the Black Shadow in particular, lay in its ability to out-perform just about every other vehicle on the road, and in the early post-war years there was nothing to compare with it. This was a time when the average family sedan was barely capable of reaching 70mph, and not until the advent of Jaguar's XK120 was there a production sports car that could live with the thundering v-twins from Stevenage. With a top speed approaching 120mph and bettering it in the Black Shadow's case, the Vincent v-twin was quite simply the fastest road vehicle of its day.
The vendor's uncle purchased this Black Shadow in the 1970s and placed it in storage (he already owned a Vincent Comet that he used for everyday transport, see Lot 750). Original and in un-restored condition throughout, the Shadow has not been ridden since the 1970s and has never been started while in the vendor's possession. Frame and engine numbers are matching, and the machine has not been modified. The Vincent's mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to its condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding. Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate. Also included in the sale is a quantity of spares to include headlight units; Terry's valve springs; pistons; drive chain; instruction manuals; suspension units x2; exhaust pipes; and ignition coils.
Saleroom notices
There is an old style logbook with this lot. Please click the link to view the walkaround video of Lot 749: click here
Additional information
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