1954 VINCENT 998CC BLACK SHADOW AND STEIB S.501 SIDECAR

Registration No OYE 185   Frame No RC12168B  Engine No F10AB/1B110268

It was the combination of the engineering brilliance of Phil Irving and the competitiveness of George Brown providing such brilliant performances upon a tuned Rapide that caused Phil Vincent to realise that a machine from the Vincent factory could cruise at a speed of 100mph.  Instead of opting for the chrome and shine currently in favour he made the decision that the engine should be stove enamelled in black and the new model should be called the “Black Shadow”. 

It first appeared in 1948 was fitted with larger carburettors, polished internals,  higher compression pistons and other modifications away from the standard Rapide range which elevated the new machine  into super sports status.

When tested, the famous 5” speedometer, mounted at the top of the forks, was even recorded at 128mph by the Cycle Magazine, a leading American publication.

This Black Shadow has changed hands only twice since 1977, and in addition, a transfer between connected owners since then.  It was restored in 1995 to a high degree of accuracy, sporting original carburettors, and float chambers.  It underwent a further modification with the introduction of a hydraulic braking system for the Steib S.501 single seat sidecar. This results in the most charismatic of all combination in the classic motorcycle arena.   Overall this restoration has been completed resulting in an outfit of impressive visual appeal.

It is understood that this combination has only covered 1,159miles since 1995.

Available with the combination is an original log book, indicating the supplier and the Swansea V5 document.

You are welcome to view, this is a PRIVATE sale and not a BUSINESS, NO TIMEWASTERS / TYRE KICKERS / NO STUPID OFFERS it is taking up space and must go to fund another project.   Original Grey Flash available P.O.A