1950 Vincent 998cc Black Shadow Series-C, Frame no. RC/5837B Engine no. F10AB/1B/3937

1950 Vincent 998cc Black Shadow Series-C
Frame no. RC/5837B
Engine no. F10AB/1B/3937
• Delivered new to the USA
• Matching engine and upper frame numbers
• Mechanical and cosmetic restoration completed in 2016
• Not used since completion

Ever since the Series A's arrival in 1937, the Vincent v-twin has been synonymous with design innovation, engineering excellence, and superlative high performance. From Rollie Free's capture of the 'world's fastest production motorcycle' record in 1948 on a tuned Series-B Black Shadow to the final fully enclosed Black Knight and Black Prince, Philip Vincent's stress on appearance and performance is legendary. His machines bristled with innovative features, offering adjustment of brake pedal, footrests, seat height and gear-change lever. The finish was to a very high standard commensurate with the cost of the machine, which was virtually double that of any of its contemporaries.

But above all else it was the v-twin's stupendous performance that captivated motorcyclists, whether they could afford one or not. 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, and in the early post-war years there was nothing to compare with it. Not until the advent of Jaguar's XK120 was there a production sports car that could live with the thundering v-twins from Stevenage. With a top speed approaching 120mph, and bettering it in the Black Shadow's case, the Vincent v-twin was quite simply the fastest road vehicle of its day.

The Black Shadow was indeed a legend in its own lifetime, and in the 60-plus years since production ceased, the esteem in which this iconic motorcycle is held has only increased, fuelling the demand among discerning collectors for fine examples of the marque, such as that offered here.

Shipped to the USA in June 1950, this Series-C Black Shadow was purchased 'mid-restoration'. The engine was then partly disassembled to check its condition and found to be like new inside. Paint was applied and missing parts found and fitted, including rebuilt Shadow carburettors, new electrical wiring, a new seat, and an Alton generator. Its mechanical and cosmetic restoration completed in 2016, the Vincent has been kept in the owner's heated workshop since then and is presented in commensurately excellent condition. Accompanying documentation consists of a copy of the Works Order Form.