Descrição
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1954 Vincent Series C Black Shadow
From the Keith Mason collection
Estimate
£45, 000 - £55, 000
Registration No: PGJ 24
Frame No: RC12180B
MOT: Exempt
Beautifully presented Series C Black Shadow
Restored by John Mossey Classics
Supplied with a current V5C
A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Keith Mason started working in his local bike shop at the age of 15 before eventually branching out on his own a few years later. From humble beginnings selling secondhand bikes from a small shop, Keith built up the Moto GB empire to become one of the biggest motorcycle retailers and importers in the UK. The group has now grown to include 15 retail shops and is responsible for importing 9 different brands, also supplying many independent dealers, including QJ Motor, Voge, Lambretta, FB Mondial, Morbidelli, SYM and Hero. Keith sadly passed away in 2023, but in recent years he had put together a fantastic collection of his favourite classic bikes, ranging from a humble Honda Express to a beautiful Vincent Black Shadow, documenting his lifetime in the trade. We are pleased to offer all 31 bikes from this collection in our March sale.
Vincent Motorcycles, "the makers of the world's fastest motorcycles", was established in 1928 when Phil Vincent bought the rights to HRD Motors Ltd after the company went into voluntary liquidation. With the backing of his family, wealthy from cattle ranching in Argentina, Vincent acquired the trademark, goodwill and remaining components for £450, renaming the new company Vincent HRD. Initially, motorcycles were sold under the HRD brand name, using their own chassis with proprietary engines but in 1934 two new engines were developed, a 500cc single and a 1, 000 cc vee twin. Always the innovator, Vincent now had full control over his products and began introducing many design features that proved to be way ahead of their time such as cantilever rear suspension. In 1949 in order to stop any confusion with Harley Davidson (HD) in the USA, they began to use simply the 'Vincent' name on their products. The 1000cc V-twin was the fastest motorcycle in the world at the time and with some astute marketing was the bike everyone aspired to own, with the Black Shadow becoming one of the most desirable bikes of the era.
The crowning glory of the Keiths 'Holy Trinity' of Vincents, this beautiful and iconic 1954 Vincent Series C Black Shadow was restored by John Mossey Restorations. The Black Shadow is without doubt the most famous model produced by Vincent who were renowned for creating fast, high quality motorcycles for the discerning Gentlemen. This stunning example is fitted with 12v electrics together with an all important electric start conversion for ease of use. This machine is being sold as a collector’s item, part of Keiths stunning private collection of Vintage and Classic machines which have all been dry stored for several years and will require some recommissioning prior to use.
More images to follow
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
