LOT 406 *N
The Hans Schifferle Collection 1955 Vincent 998c Black Knight Registration no. not registered (see text) Frame no. RD12861/F Rear frame no. RD12861/F Engine no. F10AB/2/10961 Crankcase mating no. 157V
Sold for £37,950 inc. premium
Lot 406*,N
The Hans Schifferle Collection, 1955 Vincent 998c Black KnightRegistration no. not registered (see text) Frame no. RD12861/F Rear frame no. RD12861/F Engine no. F10AB/2/10961 Crankcase mating no. 157V
The Autumn Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Stafford|9 October 2021, 12:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
The Hans Schifferle Collection
1955 Vincent 998c Black Knight
Registration no. not registered (see text)
Frame no. RD12861/F Rear frame no. RD12861/F
Engine no. F10AB/2/10961 Crankcase mating no. 157V
1955 Vincent 998c Black Knight
Registration no. not registered (see text)
Frame no. RD12861/F Rear frame no. RD12861/F
Engine no. F10AB/2/10961 Crankcase mating no. 157V
• One of the final Vincent v-twins
• Matching numbers
• An older restoration
• 6,409 miles since restoration
In September 1955 when it was revealed that production of Vincent motorcycles would cease, the news stunned the motorcycling world. By the time its demise was announced, Vincent's final twin - the Series-D - had been in production for just six months. The enclosed versions of the Rapide and Black Shadow were known as Black Knight and Black Prince respectively, and when production finally ceased in December 1955 around 460 Series-D twins had been built, some 200 of which were enclosed models.
This Vincent Black Knight was purchased from a Turin based collector circa 2000. Hans Schifferle and Helmut Lichtenberg then set about a full restoration, with all parts used in the rebuild being purchased from the Vincent Owners Club (VOC). The engine was totally rebuilt including new con-rods and pistons. Attention to detail is clearly evident: rather than applying the gold coachlines on top of the black paintwork, it was decided to paint the lower body panels in gold, before masking and painting the black top coats (image on file). The paintwork was entrusted to Helmut's preferred Munich-based specialist. The machine was registered in Germany in 2006 following its painstaking restoration, and since then has been exercised for circa 200 kilometres annually until approximately eight months ago. Only 6,409 miles have been covered since the restoration.
According to the VOC, this machine, with engine 'F10AB/2/10961' and frame 'RD12861/F', is a Series-D Black Knight manufactured in 1955. It is noted that the engine number appears to have had a 'B' stamped in it, i.e., '2B' and then the 'B' has been erased. This appears on several other Black Knight engines, and it is suspected that these were engines built and numbered to Black Prince specification and then used to fulfil orders for Black Knights, the 'B' being erased accordingly. The frame numbers confirm this is a Knight.
The machine is offered with German Zulassungsbescheinigung (Certificate of Approval/Registration Certificate); an expired TüV (MoT) certificate; assorted correspondence stating the machine is well maintained ('Das Fahrzeug ist au Bergewöhnlich gut gepflegt'); registration correspondence; and a VOC 2018 membership renewal form.
The Vincent was originally registered in the UK as 'RTX 958'; the VRN appears on the HPI database. albeit exported. Nevertheless, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's registration status prior to bidding. Re-registering the machine is the responsibility of the buyer.
• Matching numbers
• An older restoration
• 6,409 miles since restoration
In September 1955 when it was revealed that production of Vincent motorcycles would cease, the news stunned the motorcycling world. By the time its demise was announced, Vincent's final twin - the Series-D - had been in production for just six months. The enclosed versions of the Rapide and Black Shadow were known as Black Knight and Black Prince respectively, and when production finally ceased in December 1955 around 460 Series-D twins had been built, some 200 of which were enclosed models.
This Vincent Black Knight was purchased from a Turin based collector circa 2000. Hans Schifferle and Helmut Lichtenberg then set about a full restoration, with all parts used in the rebuild being purchased from the Vincent Owners Club (VOC). The engine was totally rebuilt including new con-rods and pistons. Attention to detail is clearly evident: rather than applying the gold coachlines on top of the black paintwork, it was decided to paint the lower body panels in gold, before masking and painting the black top coats (image on file). The paintwork was entrusted to Helmut's preferred Munich-based specialist. The machine was registered in Germany in 2006 following its painstaking restoration, and since then has been exercised for circa 200 kilometres annually until approximately eight months ago. Only 6,409 miles have been covered since the restoration.
According to the VOC, this machine, with engine 'F10AB/2/10961' and frame 'RD12861/F', is a Series-D Black Knight manufactured in 1955. It is noted that the engine number appears to have had a 'B' stamped in it, i.e., '2B' and then the 'B' has been erased. This appears on several other Black Knight engines, and it is suspected that these were engines built and numbered to Black Prince specification and then used to fulfil orders for Black Knights, the 'B' being erased accordingly. The frame numbers confirm this is a Knight.
The machine is offered with German Zulassungsbescheinigung (Certificate of Approval/Registration Certificate); an expired TüV (MoT) certificate; assorted correspondence stating the machine is well maintained ('Das Fahrzeug ist au Bergewöhnlich gut gepflegt'); registration correspondence; and a VOC 2018 membership renewal form.
The Vincent was originally registered in the UK as 'RTX 958'; the VRN appears on the HPI database. albeit exported. Nevertheless, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's registration status prior to bidding. Re-registering the machine is the responsibility of the buyer.
Footnotes
* Import VAT Low Rate
Import tax at the reduced rate of 5% of the Hammer Price and Buyers Premium will apply should the lot remain in the UK.
N (NOVA): This lot is subject to a fee of £125 + VAT payable by the Buyer, to undertake the relevant NOVA and C88 (Customs) clearance applications. Please see the Conditions of Sale for further information.
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
There are two Egli invoices on file for this lot. The machine is offered with a cover, detached centre stand and detached saddle.
Additional information
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Lot symbols
| * | Import low rate |
| VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. | |
| N | NOVA declaration |
| If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice. |
