Description
This motorcycle is Lot 298 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on April 25th & 26th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 94 are to be sold from 14:30 on Saturday 25th April 2026.
Lots 201 - 353 are to be sold from 11:30am on Sunday 26th April 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 25th & 26th April 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
Property of a deceased's estate
** 1956 Vincent 998cc Black Shadow Series D**
Registration no. RLN 814
Frame no. RD12672B Rear frame no. RD12672B
Engine no. F10AB/ 2B/ 10772
** Crankcase mating no. G87V / G87V**
• Matching numbers example
• Offered from long term ownership
• Fully traceable ownership back to 1960
• Four recorded private keepers since 1960
Introduced in 1946, the Vincent series B twin was certainly fast, and the Black Shadow, announced in 1948 was even faster, with a top speed of around 125 mph. The Series B machines were supplanted by the Series C bikes in 1949, which ran through to 1954.
For 1955 the series D was announced with a number of improvements, and new names – Black Knight and Black Prince. The crankcases were die castings for the first time; the cylinder heads became interchangeable with the adoption of the front head pattern for both cylinders; the new, state-of-the-art Amal Monobloc carbs replaced the inefficient and leaky 289s; coil ignition was fitted to improve starting; suspension was improved; the hand-operated centre stand appeared, and they were fitted with fibreglass enclosures to give a sleek streamlined appearance. However, the bikes were also available 'naked', without enclosures, and in this form retained the traditional model names of Rapide and Black Shadow.
According to information supplied by the Vincent Owners Club (VOC), engine number 'F10AB/ 2B/ 10772' is from a 1955 Series-D Black Shadow, and upper and rear frame member 'RD12672B' corresponds correctly with that engine. The machine retains matching upper and rear frame members ('RD12672B') together with its correct Black Shadow-specification engine, while the correct crankcase mating numbers 'G87V' are present also.
First registered on 8th July 1955, the Vincent currently displays a total of 29, 330 miles on the odometer and carries a tax disc dated September 1970. The machine is fitted with a hand-operated centre-stand and crash bars. The machine appears to have been restored previously, the finish now mellowed with age, and we have noted crazing to the fuel tank paintwork. One of the rear indicators is damaged and will require replacement. The engine turns over and has compression; however, whilst the late owner did ride the machine, it is not known when he last ran it.
The Vincent was sold by Swells Motor House, Plymouth, in 1960 to Mr Bernard Hancock of Colebrook, Plympton, Devon. In 1963 ownership passed to Brian Holmes of Plymouth and later to Graham Richford, the previous recorded keeper named on the V5 document. Since 1960, the machine is recorded as having had four private keepers.
A note on file records that this motorcycle was acquired by the late owner on 18th October 1998. The accompanying current V5C registration document records the previous keeper as Graham Richford of St Columb, while an old-style V5C in the vendor's name is present also. The history file contains a continuation logbook dating from 1960, which records that the machine was originally registered as a sidecar outfit, changing to solo configuration in 1963.
Also contained within the history file are old MoT certificates dated May 2001, April 2003 and April 2004, together with further MoT certificates from 2006 and 2007. A series of tax discs from 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 are on file. Further documentation includes photographs taken in 2001 showing the machine in restored condition, together with a copy of the Vincent Rider's Handbook. The machine was SORN declared in 2010, and it is not known when it was last used on the road. Recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration will be required before further use and thus this motorcycle is sold strictly as viewed.
Offered with key
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
