The bikes which bore Phil Vincent's name reflected his ambition to manufacture the best bikes in the world, and arguably there was a time when he did just that. The 998cc vee-twin Series B Rapide which was introduced immediately after the 1939-1945 war... Więcej »
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Wydawnictwo: Brooklands Books
Oprawa: miękka ISBN: 9781855203860
Opis książki
The bikes which bore Phil Vincent's name reflected his ambition to manufacture the best bikes in the world, and arguably there was a time when he did just that. The 998cc vee-twin Series B Rapide which was introduced immediately after the 1939-1945 war was capable of 110mph, a speed which made it a real superbike of its time, and the Black Shadow which was based on it was tested to 122mph. The Rapide had always been a vee-twin, but the post-war model had its engine as an integral part of the frame. That engine was all-new, with a bigger angle between the cylinders than its pre-war counterpart, and in tuned form (using many of the modifications seen on George Brown's 1947 record-breaking machine) it powered the magnificent Black Shadow. In essence, the Black Shadow was still a Rapide, but the baked-on black finish of its engine fins and crankcase, plus the rather ostentatious 150mph speedometer, made it a most distinctive and desirable bike. Series B models gave way to Series C types in 1951 as the latter brought a number of valuable modifications. However, the Vincents remained too expensive to sell in large numbers, and Phil Vincent needed volume sales to keep his company afloat. He had tried by introducing a 499cc single called the Comet in 1948, but this model failed to capture the larger market he wanted despite sporting successes in the hands of George Brown and John Surtees. Unable to finance the development of a completely new bike, he announced the Series D models in 1954, which looked different because of the plastic panels which enclosed their frames. Underneath, the Black Knight (which replaced the Rapide) and Black Prince (which replaced the Black Shadow) were simply improved and updated versions of the old Vincents, though. Unfortunately, they never sold in the hoped-for quantities, and the Vincent company folded in 1956. However, the Vincent legacy is one which continues to attract enthusiasts, including increasing numbers of those who were not even born when the last of these machines was built. For them, and for those old enough to remember - and maybe even to have owned a Vincent as an everyday machine - the articles in this book will make fascinating reading. A total of 60 articles covering road tests, new model intros, history & touring. Models covered: Firefly, Egli-Vincent, NorVin, Comet, Meteor, Rapide, Grey Flash, Black Shadow, Black Prince & Black Lightning. 172 pages, over 300 illus. SB.
