While Honda's CB750 is often hailed as the world's first 'superbike', it looks like people are forgetting the Vincent Black Shadow. Upon launch in 1948, this was the fastest road-going machine on two wheels, with a 125 mph top speed. That's going some for a motorcycle with girder forks and cable brakes! To motorcyclists, the Black Shadow is nothing short of iconic, with its sleek lines, oversized speedometer and trademark gloss black livery. It isn't often original, matching numbers Black Shadows come up for sale, so this 1950 example represents an unmissable opportunity.

The last owner of this bike was legendary racer and land-speed record holder Dave Matson. Those familiar with his endeavours will recall the Vincent-powered special on which Matson set a two-way average of 225mph at Bonneville in 1998. Verified by Simon Dinsdale of the Vincent Owners Club as a complete Vincent Black Shadow, this bike is the real McCoy, backed by a VOC official machine dating certificate.

This Vincent has undergone a comprehensive restoration to original factory specs, and has only covered test miles since. We're assured that it rides superbly and is ready to enjoy.

Now this, ladies and gentlemen, is how you restore a vintage motorcycle. A great deal of attention has been paid to returning this Vincent to how it would have looked in period, including the correct black livery, Vincent waterslide decals, and aluminium mudguards. As the photographs show, there's no notable wear to report, as the bike has been well-stored and has hardly been ridden since the restoration.

We're informed that the Vincent pulls well; the clutch and gear selection are all good, and it rides exactly as it should. We understand the original mechanics to have been restored to the same standard as the rest of the bike, meaning it 's ready to be enjoyed. We hope to see this Black Shadow out on the open road, where these bikes belong.

BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..