LOT 751
1951 Vincent 998cc Series-C Black Shadow Registration no. LYY 132 Frame no. RC/8637/B (see text) Rear Frame no. RC8637B Engine no. F10AB/1B/6737 Crankcase Mating no. PP65/PP65
Sold for £44,850 inc. premium
Lot 751
1951 Vincent 998cc Series-C Black ShadowRegistration no. LYY 132 Frame no. RC/8637/B (see text) Rear Frame no. RC8637B Engine no. F10AB/1B/6737 Crankcase Mating no. PP65/PP65
1951 Vincent 998cc Series-C Black Shadow
Registration no. LYY 132
Frame no. RC/8637/B (see text) Rear Frame no. RC8637B
Engine no. F10AB/1B/6737 Crankcase Mating no. PP65/PP65
Registration no. LYY 132
Frame no. RC/8637/B (see text) Rear Frame no. RC8637B
Engine no. F10AB/1B/6737 Crankcase Mating no. PP65/PP65
• Present family ownership for 15 years
• Engine rebuilt by Maughan & Son
• Electronic ignition
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.
This Black Shadow has been in the vendor's family's possession for the last 15 years having been purchased in 2006 by his father. A lifelong Vincent enthusiast, the father was confident that his son (a qualified mechanical engineer) would ensure that if the bike needed anything repaired or manufactured this could easily be done. The vendor inherited the Vincent when his father passed away in October 2009. He soon realised that the engine needed attention, so Maughan & Son were entrusted with a full rebuild with no expense spared.
The Shadow has been lovingly cared for while in the vendor's family's ownership, the only departure from standard specification being the installation of electronic ignition making it easier to start (original magneto included). Accompanying paperwork includes a copy of the original works order signed in 1951 by Jack Surtees (John Surtees' father); a copy of the factory test rider's report; and a V5C registration document. It should be noted that the upper frame has been replaced and re-stamped with the original number.
• Engine rebuilt by Maughan & Son
• Electronic ignition
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.
This Black Shadow has been in the vendor's family's possession for the last 15 years having been purchased in 2006 by his father. A lifelong Vincent enthusiast, the father was confident that his son (a qualified mechanical engineer) would ensure that if the bike needed anything repaired or manufactured this could easily be done. The vendor inherited the Vincent when his father passed away in October 2009. He soon realised that the engine needed attention, so Maughan & Son were entrusted with a full rebuild with no expense spared.
The Shadow has been lovingly cared for while in the vendor's family's ownership, the only departure from standard specification being the installation of electronic ignition making it easier to start (original magneto included). Accompanying paperwork includes a copy of the original works order signed in 1951 by Jack Surtees (John Surtees' father); a copy of the factory test rider's report; and a V5C registration document. It should be noted that the upper frame has been replaced and re-stamped with the original number.
Saleroom notices
The upper frame number does not have a '/' as printed in the catalogue.
Additional information
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