1955 Vincent 998cc Series-D Black Shadow

Registration no. UAU 939 Frame no. RD12606B Rear frame no. RD12606B Engine no. F10AB/2B/10706 (see text) Crankcase Mating no. F34V / F34V

• Original UK registration and full matching numbers
• Original logbook and VOC Certificate of Authenticity
• Present ownership since 2006

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. 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.

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. Its creator's 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 only 460 Series-D v-twins had been built, some 260 of which were un-enclosed models like the example offered here.

Its original logbook shows that this Black Shadow was first owned by one Alfred James Wilson of Nottingham while there are two further owners listed (the current V5C states that there have been six former keepers, which seems credible). The current vendor acquired 'UAU 939' from marque specialists Conway Motors in January 2006, and the following year participated with it on the VOC's International Rally in Australia. Conway's Inspection Report dated 6th January 2006 is on file.

Last taxed and MoT'd in 2009/2010, the machine has been laid up since then and therefore requires re-commissioning to a greater or lesser extent thus sold strictly as viewed. The machine retains its original Birmabright mudguards; Smiths 150mph speedometer; Lucas 'red spot' ammeter; and correct hubs and brakes. Deviations from standard include Borrani alloy wheel rims and Amal alloy control levers. The clutch is partially dismantled. In addition to the documents mentioned above, the machine comes with a 2001 issued VOC Certificate of Authenticity and current/previous V5C document. It should be noted that, in the VOC's opinion, the apparent over-stamping of the engine number is a factory error/correction ('10607' corrected to '10706').
Offered with key