Lot details
Registration No: TGK 168
Frame No: RD13033F
Engine No: F10AB/2/11133
cc: 998
MOT Expiry Date: Sept 2011

1950 marked the high point in sales for the Vincent marque with 2800 examples leaving the factory, however, by 1953 sales had fallen to a little over 450 machines. This decline in sales was responsible for the development of the Black Knight and its sister machines the Black Prince and Victor single.

The company recognised that the technological advantage that their products had previously enjoyed was being eroded. Rear suspension had become common place with all of the major manufacturers offering it in one form or another, electrical systems had improved greatly and the introduction of 650cc twins had blunted the Vincent's performance advantage.

Phil Vincent recognised the need to revise the range but sought to do so in such a way that would maintain the Vincent's position as an innovative machine, built to an excellent standard appealing to the discerning rider.

The new machines would not simply be a refinement of the existing Series C range but would mark a radical change in direction for the Stevenage product. A number of mechanical refinements were introduced for the revised range and the electrical system was uprated to include a 60 watt dynamo, the components now being sourced from Lucas. Amal Monobloc carburettors replaced the remote float chamber items previously employed aiding starting and fuel economy. However, it was the decision to employ full enclosure that would define the Series D machines. The machines featured a full front mudguard and rear enclosure that hinged upwards to facilitate rear wheel removal. The sidepanels incorporating the legshields were mounted to integrated crash bars and were carefully shaped to channel air to the cylinders. A half fairing and screen incorporating a dashboard mounting a three inch Smiths speedometer completed the enclosure. Contemporary road tests reported on the excellent weather protection provided and the consequent increase in rider comfort, however, the nature of the 'snarling beast' was fundamentally altered and the conservative nature of motorcyclists resulted in many expressing admiration but comparatively few purchasing them, a problem that was compounded due to the delay in availability of machines arising from quality issues encountered with the mouldings. Today Black Knights and Princes are highly sought after, with the Knight being the scarcer of the two.

The machine offered was the last Black Knight to be produced as the engine number, frame numbers and all casting numbers confirm, the penultimate Vincent after 28 years of production. It was completed "on or about" the 16th December 1955 and was first registered in London to a gentlemen from Middlesborough on the 5th October 1956. It remained in the Teeside area until 1985 when it moved to Cornwall until its purchase by the vendor in 2007. Following its acquisition the vendor undertook a full restoration which took approximately 1200 hours and cost about Aº12,000 over an 18 month period. The Girdraulic forks were rebushed and fitted with stainless spindles, a new steering damper was fitted and new springs were installed. The wheels were refurbished with stainless rims and spokes and the ribbed Shadow drums were given new linings. The headstock bearings, including cones, and the swinging arm bearings were replaced and the swinging arm together with the front frame, brackets, stands etc were powder coated, the fork blades were stove enamelled and the enclosures and petrol tank were repaired, repainted and gold leaf lined. Plated items were polished and replated and all of the nuts and bolts were replaced with stainless items. A Grosset electric starter, Alton generator and control system and Odyssey battery together with a Pazon electronic ignition system and indicators have been fitted to the motorcycle in the interests of reliability and usability. A new seat base and cover ensure that the rider is seated comfortably and new handlebars are fitted. Items such as the switch gear and instruments were replaced or repaired according to need. The Amal Monobloc carburettors were professionally overhauled and the cylinder heads were fitted with unleaded valve seats, valve guide oil seals, new springs and valves. The exhaust ports have been treated to threaded bronze inserts and the exhaust benefits from a new spiral baffle system. The mating numbers all match and the motorcycle has covered approximately 25 miles since the completion of the restoration, the vendor finding that it is "too bloody tall" for him to feel comfortable with - hence the reason for sale! It provided the cover for the September 2010 edition of the Classic Motorcycle and is described within and appears on the front cover of the current copy of "MPH". The vendor notes that it will require some miles to "settle" following the restoration and a little fine tuning and is proud to report that it does not leak any oil! It is offered with a Swansea V5C, an MOT certificate valid until the 16th September 2011 and a file containing invoices relating to the restoration accompanied by a photographic record of the work.