Description

1949 Vincent Black Shadow

Ex- racing machine; fully restored with original 1949 engine and upper frame, paired with 1951 rear frame; magnificent looking; professionally rebuilt in 2015; for show or to use

Surely this is one of the best value Black Shadow motorcycles available. An incredibly good looking machine and despite having seen little use of late, should not pose any problems in roaring into life.

There is a caveat here, although not an unusual one for a Vincent! We understand that the bike was originally used for racing and most likely got into a scrape or two along the way. Unfortunately, there is no paperwork to give racing pedigree, but past owners have always believed that to be the case. Following that, we understand that the rear frame was changed and as with many manufacturers in post-war times, some authentic parts were tricky to come by so the best was made with what was available.

The vendor, its previous owner and the Vincent Owners Club believe the current identity to be as follows. The engine and casings are marked F10AC/1B-2549 (as per the V5C) which is correct for a 1949 Shadow and according to copies of the original records supplied by the VOC on file, this engine was originally fitted to KXH 965. Despatched in September that year to official HRD agents, Conways, in London. The upper frame is stamped RC4449B (as it is on the V5C) and matches the original records being associated with the above engine and registration. The rear frame is marked RC8316B and is therefore from a later 1951 Shadow.

Unfortunately, very little is known about the early life of this bike but the ownership history on file covers the last three registered keepers going back to 1995. At some point before 2000 (when the last owner bought it), it was built around a 1951 Comet upper frame (RC/1/8430) but was bought to restore with the original UFM as a ‘spare.’ We can only assume that the engine and frames were separated in early years, a later owner discovered the original UFM but never fitting it.

From 2000 onwards the restoration commenced, including the change to the original UFM, a complete engine rebuild in 2005, electrical work (including electronic ignition) and most bolts were replaced with stainless steel as well as a replacement 'easier to use' centre stand and a slightly more modern aluminium five gallon petrol tank to sit above the original tool set. The owner was not entirely happy until a new headlight and speedo were fitted too. By 2015, it had become the machine you see today. Our vendor bought it in 2018 but he has decided it needs to move on.

Looking good value for a Vincent Black Shadow, it comes with all identity confirmation from the VOC alongside invoices and reports regarding the engine rebuild.

Further information - toby.service@brightwells.com