• Fully matching-numbers Black Shadow (Engine, UFM, RFM) as certified by the Vincent H.R.D. Owners’ Club 
• Rebuilt as the original motorcycle from a complete basket case 2019-2021 by an experienced Vincent restorer 
• Test miles only

If there have been many great motorcycles, the Vincent Black Shadow is something else – it’s hallowed. Its chief claim to fame is that, on its launch, it was the world’s fastest production motorcycle with a top speed of 125mph (a substantial increase on the 110mph Vincent Rapide, which had previously claimed the top spot).

Such a speed was attainable not just because it had a large engine but because, as was characteristic of all Phil Vincent’s bikes, it was engineered to the very highest standard. The four-stroke, overhead-valve 998cc V-twin was essentially a development of the unit already used in the Rapide. It had many parts in common, but some were strengthened for tighter tolerances and the bending and polishing of the engine’s ports resulted in improved airflow. Thanks to an unconventional aluminium alloy frame in which the engine functioned as a stressed member, it was very light for a large bike, and dual seven-inch drum brakes front and rear made sure it had enough stopping power.

From an engineering perspective, it was one of the best motorcycles of its day, if not the best, but there’s so much more to love about it. Its looks are second to none, the entire bike appearing to have been designed around the prodigious engine, and even the name alone has a romantic allure. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to suggest that the Black Shadow is the ultimate post-war British motorcycle, and when one’s been freshly restored, as this one has, it doesn’t really get any better.

 • Bought through Flashback Enterprises from Dave Matson, a well-known motorcycle racer at Bonneville Salt Flats, and imported from the USA as a complete basket case in 2019 

 • Restored from basket-case condition by the vendor, who has owned Vincents since he was 17 and restored over a dozen

 • Thoroughly road-tested in the summer of 2021, since when it has been stored with the fuel drained and battery disconnected

 • Paperwork includes the current V5, registration documentation from the DVLA, dating certificate from the Vincent H.R.D. Owners’ Club and some ‘before’ and ‘during’ photographs of the restoration

 • Beautifully restored with everything repainted

 • Fitted with a pair of original Dunlop wheels

 • Some pleasing light patina

At the edge of the Mendip Hills lies one of Somerset’s greatest secrets, a remote cottage where tired and forlorn old Vincents are given a new lease of life, looking every bit as handsome and proud as they did when they left the Vincent works in Stevenage seven decades ago. This Black Shadow is the latest bike to emerge from that quaint workshop, restored by a man who knows Vincents possibly better than anyone else.

Acquired in a totally disassembled state with plenty of cosmetic and mechanical wear, the vendor set about completely rebuilding it to a standard at which it is both show-worthy and eminently well-suited for long-distance road runs.

Cosmetically, some parts needed total renovation but the vendor has taken care not to over-restore the bike, and has preserved its original finish where possible. The tank, of course, has been repainted with new decals applied, but not too much else was required to make it presentable. One of the nicest features of Vincents is their alloy mudguards, which, of course, don’t corrode but instead accumulate a nice, superficial patina with use and the passage of time. That light patina is present across all this Vincent’s bare-metal parts, and it is all the better for it.

The wheels which came with the bike were not suitable for use, so the vendor used another pair of the correct Dunlop wheels, and found a professional vehicle painter to paint the rims. The seat is in very good condition and we believe it had been recovered not long before the vendor acquired the Vincent.

For our tastes, this represents perhaps the ideal restoration. It has been completed by a knowledgeable and competent enthusiast who has got it up to a standard where it looks superb, without over-restoring it and losing its character or making it impractical for road use.

 • Engine rebuilt with many new or reconditioned parts

 • Gearbox in unworn condition

 • Run for the first time in April 2021 and on the road by June

A striking sight with the chrome sweep of the exhaust pipes standing out against the jet black engine paint, proper consideration was given to the appearance of the Black Shadow’s V-twin as well as to its internal design and construction. Anyone can see that this engine looks wonderful, but we’d better run through all the work the vendor put into it to get it up to a high mechanical standard, too.

When he acquired the dismantled bike, he subjected the engine to a full rebuild, using various new and reconditioned parts. A new flywheel was used, and the cylinder barrels were rebored to take +.020” Hepolite pistons. Mark II cams were installed with Stellite followers. The cylinder head, carburettor, Lucas magneto and Miller dynamo were all reconditioned.

The vendor examined the gearbox and found it to be in unworn condition, so it only required minimal attention.

An original speedometer had to be sourced separately, so the odometer reading does not pertain to this bike’s actual mileage. Since restoration, it has probably covered less than 100 miles and may still need some running in.

The vendor kept a diary of progress which tells us:

Since August, the bike has been stored with the petrol drained and battery disconnected, hence we were not able to see it run, but we are satisfied that it has been restored to a very high standard and cannot imagine it should require anything more than the lightest fettling to get it back to peak health after nine months off the road. Of course, since it has not been MoTed, we do advise that bidders satisfy themselves as to its roadworthiness before taking to the road.

The Vincent Black Shadow is still one of the most desirable motorcycles ever, and a very exclusive one at that. Speaking of exclusivity, there can’t be many Shadows like this one, which has probably never attended a show or rally having been in a derelict state for so many years. 

What’s more important, though, is that this one runs well and looks great, being restored for the road rather than concours prizes. For the enthusiast who wants to ride their bike as originally intended, it’s ideal.