A 1949 HRD Vincent Black Shadow Series C motorcycle is ready to go under the Charterhouse hammer in their auction of classic motorcycles on Wednesday, May 10 at The Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset.

“The Vincent Black Shadow is a thumping great machine. With its 1,000cc engine it would take it owners to 125 mph at a time when most family saloon cars would struggle to go half as fast.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “They always have been, and always will be, one of the most sought after motorcycles and this is a rare opportunity for a buyer to acquire a beautifully restored matching numbers Black Shadow.”

The Vincent Black Shadow, when new, was sold as the world’s fastest production motorcycle and all bikes sold were tested to 125 mph. When new, Shadows were so expensive to produce that Vincent actually sold them at a loss.

The Charterhouse Black Shadow was bought by the owner as a box of bits in 2008 and he spent the next year fully restoring the Vincent. It was known to be last on the road in 1979. Since this restoration, the bike has covered just 200 miles and lived in its owner’s hallways in his Cambridge home where he (and his wife) could appreciate it every day.

Now only being offered for auction as the owner is 85 years old and he does not think he will ride it again, this matching numbers Black Shadow is estimated to sell for £70,000-80,000 in the Charterhouse specialist classic motorcycle auction.

Charterhouse is accepting late entries for this classic motorcycle auction on Wednesday, May 10. Viewing for the auction, which starts at 12 noon, is on the sale day only from 9am. Catalogues are available from Charterhouse or you can see all the motorcycles on www.charterhouse-auction.com where live internet bidding is also available.

They are also accepting entries of for their two day May 18 and 19 auction featuring silver, watches, jewellery with Royal Doulton and Beswick, and for their next specialist sale of classic and vintage cars on June 18.

For further information regarding these auctions, or to arrange a home visit, contact Matthew Whitney or Richard Bromell at Charterhouse on 01935-812277 or email items for valuation at info@charterhouse-auction.com