S-22720-0-1

297One owner for the last 52 years1955 Vincent 998cc Black Shadow Series-DRegistration no. SOF 212Frame no. RD12755BRear Frame no. RD12755BEngine no. F10AB/2B/10855One of only 141 un-enclosed Series-D Black Shadows made,this example was supplied to Kings (Oxford) Ltd of Birmingham inAugust 1955 and on 9th January 1956 was sold new to a Mr Lewisof Birmingham. Its accompanying original logbook lists a handfulof subsequent owners, all in the Midlands, up to November 1963when ‘SOF 212’ was purchased from Kings of Wolverhampton bythe current vendor (sales receipt on file). He had seen the machineat Kings two years previously when it was advertised for sale at220 guineas (£231) but when he bought ‘SOF 212’ it cost only £35because, according to Kings, the last two owners had returned itcomplaining of gear selection problems. Kings were glad to see theback of it.The vendor discovered that the cause was a broken gear selectorspring, which he replaced at the cost of only a few pence! He thenpartially dismantled the Vincent, separating it into three large assemblies- front end, engine/gearbox and rear end - and stored it in his garagewhile continuing to ride his Series-C ‘Shadow. ‘SOF 212’ remained instorage until 1988 when a complete rebuild was commenced. Finishedin September 1990, the restoration included a full engine overhaul byDon Alexander, total repaint of the cycle parts, re-plating of brightwork,carburettor overhaul and conversion to 12-volt electrics.Other upgrades include a Kirby Rowbotham dual-points coilignition system, a better engine breather, numerous stainless steelfastenings, Series-C side stands and a Series-C magneto cover. Therecorded mileage at the restoration’s completion was 36,130 (MoTcertificate on file).Currently displaying a total of 53,730 miles on the odometer, themachine has been routinely maintained and MoT’d from 1991onwards. In July 2001 (at 43,800 miles) a Conway ‘anti-sumping valveand a new François Grosset self-starter were fitted by Don Alexander,while in 2008 (at 48,000 miles) the Amal Monobloc carburettors werere-sleeved, also by Don. A new stainless steel front wheel rim wasfitted in 2007 and new Vincent 8” brakes (made by Macro PrecisionPumps Ltd) in June 2008, while the engine outer cases were repaintedin 2010. A new battery was fitted in 2012.Last taxed for the road to February 2015 and described as in generallyexcellent condition, this well documented Series-D Black Shadow isoffered with its original old-style logbook, sundry bills, recently expiredMoT (2013), assorted instructional literature and V5C registrationdocument.£40,000 - 50,000€56,000 - 70,000Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each lotprior to bidding. All lots are sold “as is/where is” with all defects and faults.motorcycles | 83