Vincent Black Shadow Series D

Vincent Black Shadow 1955

Key facts

  • Year

    1955

  • Country

    Great Britain

  • Capacity

    998cc

  • Valves

    Overhead valve

  • Output

    55bhp at 5,700rpm

  • Performance

    125mph

  • Price new

    £354

  • Owner

    National Motor Museum Trust

  • Manufacturer

    Vincent Engineers (Stevenage) Ltd

The Series D Black Shadow was among the last motorcycles to carry the famous Vincent name. The Black Shadow was first introduced in 1948 with the aim of producing a sports bike that would cruise comfortably at 100mph and reach 125mph. The new Series D Black Shadow appeared in 1955 as an alternative to the similar but fully panelled and enclosed Black Prince model.

Vincent’s origins date back to 1924 when TT winner Howard R Davies started making motorcycles under the name of HRD. In 1928 HRD was acquired by Phil Vincent who built bikes as Vincent HRD until 1949 and Vincent thereafter. Production of Vincent motorcycles ceased late in 1955.

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Panoramic view of the first floor of the National Motor Museum

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