Property of a deceased's estate, 1955 Vincent 998cc Black Prince

• One of only some 200 enclosed Series-D Vincents
• Present ownership since 1989
• Apparently original
• Requires recommissioning

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 unit offering a generous seven inches of suspension travel. 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. Sadly though, the Shadow's magnificent 5"-diameter Smiths speedometer had been replaced by a standard 3" unit.

Unfortunately for Philip Vincent, his 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 around 460 Series-D v-twins had been built, some 200 of which were enclosed models.

VOC records show that numbers 'F10AB/2B/11126' and 'RD13026B/F' are those of a Series-D Black Prince manufactured in 1955. However, it should be noted that the last digit of the engine number appears to have the '6' stamped over a '1'. At some point the Vincent was sold by motorcycle dealer, ISDT star and former British Sidecar Trials Champion Ron Langston, whose correspondence concerning its sale is on file (perusal recommended). 'YAE 424' was purchased by the late owner in 1989 and appears to be in original condition. Recommissioning will be required before the Vincent returns to the road. Sold strictly as viewed, the machine is offered with an expired MoT (1997) and old/current V5/V5C registration documents. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's originality and correctness prior to bidding.
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