Description
1949 Vincent Black Shadow HRD Series C 998cc With Electric Start.
This is an all correct numbers machine with original registration number JDD 606 all corresponding with its original buff card log book. Other paperwork includes original factory
order form, written history, receipts and VOC Certificate. Note only about 140 Series C Black Shadows were made in the HRD guise since the marque was re-branded as Vincent at the time that the Series C was introduced. This must be an extremely rare survivor.
Fully restored to concours condition by Ian Laing in the mid 1990s and still in great condition today.
This machine won the Vincent Owners Club Concours Challenge Trophy 3 times !
Overall a fantastic machine with full history from day one to present day !W. D. Francis (known as Derek) bought the machine new in May 1949 (a copy of the factory build record is attached). The bike was delivered to Williams dealership in Cheltenham. He entered the Isle of Man 1950 Clubmans TT, and although he qualified in practice, did not start the race. This is documented in David Wright's book 'Vincents HRDs and the Isle of
Man 1925-1999'.(Photographs exist showing Derek on the machine at a practice session. I understand photographs exist in an I. O. M photo gallery of Derek riding on it . Derek went on to ride the bike in competitive road trials (popular events on the Continent at the time).
This machine is also documented in J . Bickerstaff's Book.
In 2017 the electric starter and rev counter were fitted by Conway Motors. In 2021 the Black Shadow was subject to a full service and check over where a few gremlins were taken care of by a talented engineer. Comes with receipts to prove work carried out. Currently running and riding superbly with the useful electric starter system working well.
So not only as rare as hen's teeth, but a concours winner with full history. You could hardly find a better example.
