The Black Lightning was the racing version of the Vincent Black Shadow, a purpose-built factory modification first built in September 1948 at the Vincent works in Stevenage and produced until 1952. At the time it was the fastest production motorcycle in the world. It was supplied to order in racing trim, with magnesium alloy parts, racing tyres on alloy rims, rear-set foot controls, a solo seat and aluminium mudguards, which cut the weight to 380 pounds. Its 998 cc air-cooled V-twin used stronger connecting rods, larger inlet ports and racing carburettors, and gave about 70 horsepower and a top speed of 150 miles per hour. Only 31 were built before production ended. Rollie Free rode the first one to a United States record at Bonneville in September 1948, in the famous bathing suit photograph, and in 2018 a surviving example set an auction record for a motorcycle.
Facts
Engine Class Top Speed (km/h) Engine998 cc air-cooled OHV pushrod V-twin 1 Connections
Exemplifies
Source Vincent Black Lightning (Wikipedia)
Of Make
Source Vincent Black Lightning (Wikipedia)
In the Other Atlases
Manufactured By
Also in Business Atlas: the manufacturer of this subject.
Source Vincent Black Lightning (Wikipedia)Lead, builderQuote, Lead, builder
The Vincent Black Lightning was a Vincent-HRD motorcycle first built in September 1948 at the Vincent works in Great North Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK, and produced from 1948 to 1952.
Originated In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject originated.
Source Vincent Black Lightning (Wikipedia)Lead, originQuote, Lead, origin
The Vincent Black Lightning was a Vincent-HRD motorcycle first built in September 1948 at the Vincent works in Great North Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK, and produced from 1948 to 1952.
Sources
1. Vincent Black Lightning (Wikipedia)
Lead, first built
The Vincent Black Lightning was a Vincent-HRD motorcycle first built in September 1948 at the Vincent works in Great North Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK, and produced from 1948 to 1952.
Development, end of production
Only 31 Black Lightnings were built before production ended in 1952 because of Vincent's financial problems.
Auction record
a Black Lightning, stated to be one of only 19 surviving
Development, number built
Only 31 Black Lightnings were built before production ended in 1952 because of Vincent's financial problems.
Development, racing trim
a standard Black Lightning was supplied in racing trim with magnesium alloy components
Development, engine class
The 998 cc (60.9 cu in) air-cooled OHV pushrod V-twin specifications were always based on standard parts
Development, power
This resulted in 70 bhp (52 kW) and a top speed of 150 mph (240 km/h).
Development, top speed
This resulted in 70 bhp (52 kW) and a top speed of 150 mph (240 km/h).
Lead, builder
The Vincent Black Lightning was a Vincent-HRD motorcycle first built in September 1948 at the Vincent works in Great North Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK, and produced from 1948 to 1952.
Lead, origin
The Vincent Black Lightning was a Vincent-HRD motorcycle first built in September 1948 at the Vincent works in Great North Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK, and produced from 1948 to 1952.
Of Make: Vincent, Lead, make
The Vincent Black Lightning was a Vincent-HRD motorcycle first built in September 1948 at the Vincent works in Great North Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK, and produced from 1948 to 1952.
Exemplifies: Motorcycle Transport, Lead, motorcycle
The Vincent Black Lightning was a Vincent-HRD motorcycle first built in September 1948 at the Vincent works in Great North Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK, and produced from 1948 to 1952.
In Group: Classic British Motorcycles, Lead, British motorcycle
The Vincent Black Lightning was a Vincent-HRD motorcycle first built in September 1948 at the Vincent works in Great North Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK, and produced from 1948 to 1952.
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