Modern Classic: Vincent Black Shadow

To qualify as "modern classics," we choose vehicles, which are comparatively affordable now and that we think will increase in value over time. These are cars many people would love to have: head-turners, trend-setters in their time, cars that people see that still make them smile, cars that were definitive in their own right, stylish and fun to drive. Our focus is on cars at least 25 years old, so they can be registered and insured cheaply and aren't subject to annual inspections.


Tastes may vary, as may peoples' own definitions of "affordable." Our theoretical limit is $50,000 for a car in good to excellent condition, which rules out many of the traditional exotics. This month's selection is the Vincent Black Shadow.

History
The legendary Vincent Black Shadow is still discussed in reverent tones by people who've never seen one. It's even been the subject of a rock 'n roll song. The inspiration for this timeless motorcycle came in 1936 when designer, Phil Irving, realized that two of his company's lusty 500-cc singles could be arranged to form a powerful 1000-cc V-twin. Owner Phillip Vincent agreed. The result was the pre-war Series A Rapide. With its external oil galleries, it became known as "the plumber's nightmare."


After the War, a redesigned Series B eschewed a conventional frame. The modified, dry-sump V-twin was its own stressed member. A combination fuel and oil tank was attached to a steel backbone that bolted to the cylinder heads and ran from the steering column to the Modern Feridax dual seat. When American Rollie Free, clad only in a bathing suit and sneakers, topped 150 mph on a Shadow at Bonneville in 1948, the Vincent legend really took off. Admiring the massive engine taking up most of the cramped space between the wheels, one reviewer said, "it looks like it was forced in with a whip and a chair."


On the improved Series C that year, the B's vintage Brampton front forks were replaced by the clever Vincent 'Girdraulic' design, which combined the best elements of vintage girder forks with modern hydraulics. Four sets of fingertip-adjustable brakes, knock-off wheels, double side stands that could be dropped to suspend the bike, a mono-shock rear with a swing arm, and precise gear linkage that could be shifted by hand or foot lever were a few of its innovative features.