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1948 Vincent Black Lightning

Silverstone Auctions - The Classic Sale at Silverstone 2021 - Motorcycle
Silverstone, 30 July
  • Year of manufacture 
    1948
  • Motorcycle type 
    Street
  • Engine number 
    F10AB/1/565
  • Lot number 
    16708
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Colour  
    Other
  • Location
    United Kingdom
  • Performance 
    66 PS / 49 kW / 66 BHP

Description

  • At the time of its introduction in 1948, the Vincent Black Lightning was the fastest production motorcycle in the world, capable of achieving 150 mph through its 70bhp, 998cc V-twin engine. Only 31 Black Lightnings were ever built, and only 19 matching-numbers examples still exist
  • This fabulous homage to the Black Lightning was built in the 1980s by Peter Darvill, famous for his racing exploits on his "featherbed" Norvin
  • It consists of a Rapide 'C' main frame, Black Shadow rear-frame and an early Rapide 'B' engine
  • Built using mostly NOS parts obtained by Peter
  • Correct carbs and exhaust and period correct clocks
  • The bespoke fuel tank made in Birmingham in period is believed to have featured in the painting by Robert Carter depicting a Black Lighting at Montlhery in 1952
  • It formed part of his bike collection and was hung on his wall, naturally
  • Purchased directly from Peter in the 1990's by our vendor
  • In a private collection for the last 25 years and not used, so will require recommissioning