c.1955 Vincent 998cc Series-D 'Black Prince' (see text)

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 un-enclosed 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.

This Vincent twin was purchased by the late owner from J Card of Tonbridge, Kent on 18th September 1983. The odometer reading is 2,261 miles, believed the distance covered since restoration. The Vincent Owners Club advises us as follows:

Engine number 'F10AB/2B/10922' originates from a Series-D Black Prince manufactured in 1955 and originally supplied to Kings of Wolverhampton. Upper frame number 'RD12509' is from a 1955 Series-D Rapide. This frame number is not associated with the displayed registration 'PDA 147' and, as far as is known, has not been used elsewhere. As the stamping appears to be of factory type, it should be possible - once the machine has been recommissioned - for a future owner to apply to the DVLA for an age-related registration using this UFM number in conjunction with the above engine.

Rear frame member 'RD12822B' carries a non-factory restamped number, missing the factory-issued suffix. This rear frame member is known to exist on another motorcycle with its correct suffix.

The machine currently carries registration number 'PDA 147'; however, this registration corresponds only to the engine and the restamped rear frame number. Consequently, this motorcycle is offered unregistered and without registration documents. Accordingly, prospective bidders must satisfy themselves entirely with regard to the validity of the Vehicle Registration Number prior to bidding.

The engine turns over. 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 should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's