Vincent-HRD 998cc Black Lightning Evocation Special, Registration no. 975 XUF Frame no. RC/1/8916/C Engine no. F10AB/5/1015
The looks of a Black Lightning
? Fully restored by Glyn Johnson
? Black Shadow-spec. engine
? Road registered and usable
When Phil Vincent and designer Phil Irving, who had returned to the company during the war years, laid down the details of the new post-war V-twin to replace the pre-war version, their ambition for the model was that it would live up to their proposed advertising strapline for the machine of 'The World's fastest standard Motorcycle!'. Introduced in 1946, the Series B Rapide was certainly fast, but it soon became clear to Vincent that a tuned version would be required to further enhance the marque, and the Black Shadow was announced in the early part of 1948. It was the first genuine two-miles-per-minute production bike, with a reputed top speed of around 125 mph.
Whilst road models were catered for, it only left the competition sector to be provided for. The Black Lightning was announced in 1948, and the first examples left the factory in 1949. They were endowed with hotter cams, higher compression, TT carbs, a number of other special parts, and a variety of lightened components. Most were equipped with Girdraulic forks. Only approximately 30 Lightnings were produced, and genuine machines can bring very high prices indeed.
The vendor purchased this machine in approximately 2003, when it was incomplete and in need of restoration. He had a vision of what he wanted to achieve with the rebuild of the machine, and entrusted it to well-known Vincent restorer Glyn Johnson, with the brief that the completed machine should have a look similar to a Black Lightning, with good performance, but be capable of use on the road. He was adamant that the machine should not be a replica of a Black Lightning, which would only serve as an ornament, being unusable in normal circumstances.
Black Shadow specification was deemed to be an adequate level of performance, and the engine was built with all new components. Two front cylinder heads were utilised, together with a modern BTH magneto. The suspension dampers both front and rear were new Thornton ones; rearsets are to Black Lightning specification, as is the saddle. The petrol tank is a replication of the 'Gunga Din' tank, and the vendor advises that the speedometer and tachometer are original Black Lightning items. The restoration of 975 XUF was carried out over a period of 5 years and was completed in 2008. After post-restoration road-testing, the owner used the bike for a tour of Scotland, and has since taken it on the Moto Piston Rally in Spain, completing the "Ride of 5000 Curves" challenge, covering 330 miles of challenging mountainous roads in one day. This is a bike to be used, not merely displayed, as many Vincents now are. Documentation comprises a current V5C, some expired MoT certificates, photographs, and a large number of invoices.
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
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Time, Location
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The looks of a Black Lightning
? Fully restored by Glyn Johnson
? Black Shadow-spec. engine
? Road registered and usable
When Phil Vincent and designer Phil Irving, who had returned to the company during the war years, laid down the details of the new post-war V-twin to replace the pre-war version, their ambition for the model was that it would live up to their proposed advertising strapline for the machine of 'The World's fastest standard Motorcycle!'. Introduced in 1946, the Series B Rapide was certainly fast, but it soon became clear to Vincent that a tuned version would be required to further enhance the marque, and the Black Shadow was announced in the early part of 1948. It was the first genuine two-miles-per-minute production bike, with a reputed top speed of around 125 mph.
Whilst road models were catered for, it only left the competition sector to be provided for. The Black Lightning was announced in 1948, and the first examples left the factory in 1949. They were endowed with hotter cams, higher compression, TT carbs, a number of other special parts, and a variety of lightened components. Most were equipped with Girdraulic forks. Only approximately 30 Lightnings were produced, and genuine machines can bring very high prices indeed.
The vendor purchased this machine in approximately 2003, when it was incomplete and in need of restoration. He had a vision of what he wanted to achieve with the rebuild of the machine, and entrusted it to well-known Vincent restorer Glyn Johnson, with the brief that the completed machine should have a look similar to a Black Lightning, with good performance, but be capable of use on the road. He was adamant that the machine should not be a replica of a Black Lightning, which would only serve as an ornament, being unusable in normal circumstances.
Black Shadow specification was deemed to be an adequate level of performance, and the engine was built with all new components. Two front cylinder heads were utilised, together with a modern BTH magneto. The suspension dampers both front and rear were new Thornton ones; rearsets are to Black Lightning specification, as is the saddle. The petrol tank is a replication of the 'Gunga Din' tank, and the vendor advises that the speedometer and tachometer are original Black Lightning items. The restoration of 975 XUF was carried out over a period of 5 years and was completed in 2008. After post-restoration road-testing, the owner used the bike for a tour of Scotland, and has since taken it on the Moto Piston Rally in Spain, completing the "Ride of 5000 Curves" challenge, covering 330 miles of challenging mountainous roads in one day. This is a bike to be used, not merely displayed, as many Vincents now are. Documentation comprises a current V5C, some expired MoT certificates, photographs, and a large number of invoices.
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Sale price
Time, Location
Auction House
