1955 Vincent 998cc Black Series-D Shadow

Registration no. 754 XVH Frame no. RD12829B Rear Frame no. RD12829B Engine no. F10AB/2B/10929 Crankcase Mating no. I49V / I49V

• Timed at 124.82mph at Bonneville Salt Flats
• Long term ownership for 47 years
• Matching numbers example

Introduced in 1946, the Vincent series B twin was certainly fast, and the Black Shadow, announced in 1948 was even faster, with a top speed of around 125 mph. The Series B machines were supplanted by the Series C bikes in 1949, which ran through to 1954.

For 1955 the series D was announced with a number of improvements, and new names – Black Knight and Black Prince. The crankcases were die castings for the first time; the cylinder heads became interchangeable with the adoption of the front head pattern for both cylinders; the new, state-of-the-art Amal Monobloc carbs replaced the inefficient and leaky 289s; coil ignition was fitted to improve starting; suspension was improved; the hand-operated centre stand appeared, and they were fitted with fibreglass enclosures to give a sleek streamlined appearance. However, the bikes were also available 'naked', without enclosures, and in this form retained the traditional model names of Rapide and Black Shadow.

This naked Series D Black Shadow was purchased by the owner in 1975 in his native USA. In 1976 he decided the engine needed attention, so he stripped and rebuilt it to his own exacting standards. The proof of the quality of his work can be gauged by the fact that the year after, 1977, he took the bike to Bonneville Salt Flats, and was recorded at 124.82mph. The Shadow was used every year thereafter for rallies and for touring in the USA and Canada, covering many miles. It is fitted with a pair of Craven panniers, and the front brakes have been uprated to a pair of twin leading shoe brakes to enhance stopping power, although the original brakeplates and shoes accompany the bike.

The bike stayed in regular use until the owner moved to the UK in 2018. It was shipped to the UK, and registered for use in the UK as 754 XVH. Although this machine was a UK-supplied bike, originally registered SLU 232, DVLA would not re-allocate the original registration without further documentary evidence of the connection. Unfortunately, the vendor has some health problems which have curtailed his riding career, hence the sale of his much-loved machine. Running and working well when last in use, the Shadow should need only light re-commissioning prior to use by a new custodian. 754 XVH is accompanied by some spares, including the original front brakeplates and clutch, together with a quantity of engine oil. Still with the original engine, upper frame, and rear frame, this Black Shadow represents a very original, and largely unmolested example of one of the rarest models of Vincent HRD machines. Documentation comprises a current V5C, a copy US Title, a VOC dating certificate, and sundry papers. The machine is presently on SORN.
Offered with key