1955 Vincent 998cc Series-D Black Prince

Ever since the Series-A's arrival in 1937, the Vincent v-twin had been synonymous with design innovation, engineering excellence, and superlative high performance. So in September 1955 when it was announced that production would cease, the news stunned the motorcycling world. It had been decided that the firm's future lay in more profitable lines of manufacture, and only 100 more of the fabulous v-twins would be completed.

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', though delayed delivery of the glassfibre panels, plus continuing demand for traditionally styled models, resulted in over half the production leaving the Stevenage factory in unenclosed form. The enclosed Rapide and Black Shadow were known as Black Knight and Black Prince respectively. When production ceased in December 1955, around 460 Series -D v-twins had been built, some 200 of which were enclosed models like this example.

According to paperwork in the history files, this Vincent Black Prince was sold (dismantled) at a UK auction in 1988 as part of the 'Gerry Malin' estate (lot 302). It was purchased at the auction by Brian Verrall and subsequently sold to our private vendor who had the machine fully restored to its current condition by Andrew Kenningley of AK Restorations, Liverpool. The Vincent was used only sparingly following completion and otherwise dry stored.

According to the Vincent Owners' Club Registrar, engine 'F10AB/2B/11025' and frame 'RD12925B/F' are from a Series-D Black Prince manufactured in 1955. Unfortunately, the Club does not have any records for the Series-D machines. Interestingly, the 'D' on the upper frame member is stamped backwards; the VOC has seen similar errors before with other characters, etc, which shows that those who made these bikes were human!

The aforementioned Gerry Malin did report the bike/registration on his VOC membership in the 1959 and 1962 VOC yearbooks, which ties in with the accompanying original RF60 logbook. Our vendor is listed as owner on the old V5 on file, with Malin recorded as the previous keeper. There is also a period photograph of 'JAN 635' in the late 1950s/early 1960s on file.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, originality, authenticity, mechanical condition, mileage and completeness (or otherwise) prior to bidding.

Accompanying paperwork includes the following:

Current V5 Registration Certificate
Original buff logbook
1988 auction listing
Purchase receipt from Brian Verrall
AK Restorations' invoices

Offered with key