Highlights
- Rare Black Shadow with lovely patina of age
- Fully rebuilt 998cc engine with only test mileage
- One of only 2,000 built and amongst the last
- Said to start, run and ride well
The Appeal
For buyers in the tough post-war years, the Black Shadow was a thorough breath of fresh air. As Rollie Free ably proved at Bonneville Salt Flats, its hand-built 998 cc air-cooled 50-degree V-Twin could propel it to over 150 mph. Taking its name from its distinctive black enamel paintwork with baked finish, it is the original superbike, and with just 2,000 built is about as collectable as any classic bike can be.
This 1954 example was one of the last to leave the works and carries a lovely pre-restoration patina that adds character. That condition gives the buyer the choice of keeping it ‘as is’ or taking it to the next level.
Mechanically it benefits from a fully rebuilt standard specification engine, which we are told was acquired from Bonhams in 2021. It has only covered test mileage since being fitted. Likewise, the brakes still require bedding in. The vendor tells us that the bike starts well with no smoke, runs and pulls well and has good gear selection and change.
Key Information
- Mileage: 2 miles indicated (odometer likely reset when engine fitted)
- Country of registration: not currently registered
- Technical inspection status: N/A
- Technical specs: 998cc air cooled 50 degree V Twin, 4spd manual
- Paperwork: handwritten notes with engine and other pertinent numbers as shown
The Detail
- Well presented and factory standard bike showing patina in photos
- Some age to paintwork and chromework as shown
- Fully rebuilt engine sourced from Bonhams in 2021
- Test mileage since fitment only and brakes require bedding in
- Described as starting easily with no smoke
- Said to run and pull well with good gear change
- Professionally rewired and fitted with a Lucas magneto and a reconditioned Miller dynamo
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Comments
Andyliv
Have you any paperwork relevant to the engine rebuild ?
Vincent••••
SellerWe have the invoice and sales details from Bonhams.
twirlth••••
PLease can I ask - do you have proof of ownership? perhaps a v5 that has the old engine number in it? any other similar documents from another country? many thanks!
Bigtwin••••
Bonhams 2021 listing for this engine doesn't mention a rebuild. Has it been rebuilt since then? If yes by whom? Any receipts or other supporting documents? Will this need to be registered on the non-matching rear frame member serial number? How about a video so we can see and hear it running? Any other info appreciated.
Vincent••••
SellerThe engine was bought from Bonhams and has been stripped and rebuilt by Tony Hutchinson a long standing and well regarded Vincent engineer. The bike is non-matching so you would need to discuss this with the VOC. Many thanks,