Vincent motorcycles: books - history and technology

Vincent - The Complete Story

From its creation in 1928 to its demise thirty years later, Vincent produced motorcycles that were among the very best then available. Names like Black Shadow, Rapide and Black Lightning are bywords for good looks, good engineering and exceptional performance.

The author's detailed history examines the company from its roots at the beginning of the Twentieth century and explores the design and production of each one of the Stevenage firm's models. Complete with detailed specifications, archive illustrations and specially-commissioned colour photography, this book is a fitting tribute to one of the gems of the late British Motorcycle Industry.

Vincent Motorcycles : The Untold Story Since 1946

Few motorcycles have left as indelible a mark on history as the Vincent V-twin, since its debut in 1946 to the present day. Whether on the road, in club racing, drag races, or land speed record attempts, it dominated the motorcycle scene, earning the title "The World's Fastest Standard Motorcycle" directly from the factory, a statement validated by its performance.

Iconic moments like Rollie Free's record-setting ride at Bonneville in 1948, lying flat on his modified Black Shadow in swimming trunks, are etched in memory. Remarkably, the Vincent remained competitive until the mid-1970s, challenging modern bikes with ease, a testament to its ahead-of-its-time design.

After Vincent's production ceased prematurely, Fritz Egli's 1967 Egli-Vincent emerged as the first redesigned Vincent chassis in 21 years, inspiring generations of builders. This book meticulously traces the lineage of these motorcycles, intertwining their story with the broader history of Vincent, showcasing the enduring passion and legacy of the brand.

Features include an exploration of the Vincent's legendary status, its decline into bankruptcy despite engineering brilliance, and its lasting influence on mechanics and engineers across generations. It also delves into Egli's transformation of the Vincent and the enduring appeal and competitiveness of the design in modern times. Additionally, it highlights the diverse range of Vincent derivatives, from café racers to choppers, up to the present day.

Vincent (1945-1980) - Brooklands Gold Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Vincent motorcycles from the years 1945-1980. Describes the Vincent Firefly, Egli-Vincent, NorVin, Comet, Meteor, Rapide, Grey Flash, Black Shadow, Black Prince and Black Lightning.

• The 60 articles, taken from contemporary British and American motorcycle magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

Click here to know more about the Brooklands Portfolio books

Original Vincent Motorcycle - The Restorer's Guide to Postwar Singles and Twins

Covering all post-1945 versions - the twin cylinder 1000cc Series Vincent B, C and D Rapides, the incredibly fast and sought-after Black Shadow, the Black Knight and Black Prince, and the 500cc Meteor and Comet singles - this book concentrates on the postwar models while also incorporating as essential background a brief account of the birth and early days of the tiny Vincent-HRD concern in Stevenage, which from the beginning was devoted to the manufacture of exclusive motorcycles for the connoisseur.

The postwar Vincent was introduced to the press in April 1946 and production in volume ended less than 10 years later. In that brief period several thousand motorcycles - the world-famous 998cc vee-twins and the 500s - had been built and were serving owners who delighted in their bikes' unique specification and outstanding abilities.
The 1946 Rapide surprised in almost every respect, with its innovative engine, frame and brakes, and a generous use of light-alloy which kept the weight of this 110mph grand tourer down to 500 single levels.

This book, by an acknowledged authority on the marque, deals in minutest detail with post-war Vincents and the many changes in specification and build made during their lifetime. Any Vincent owner, prospective buyer or enthusiast puzzled by conflicting opinions on originality can be confident of finding unequivocal guidance here.

The author has called on factory records and authenticated material to compile a comprehensive study of these charismatic motorcycles, while augmenting the text are more than 200 specially commissioned colour photographs showing carefully selected examples of all models, as well as a number of illustrations provided by the author.
Indispensable for all owners, restorers, buyers and enthusiasts.

The Vincent Black Shadow

The Vincent Black Shadow is a name that resounds whenever classic bikes are discussed. The Vincent company were already advertising their existing Rapide machine as `The world's fastest production motorcycle' when, in February 1948, the Black Shadow was announced with a then unbelievable top speed of 125 mph on pool petrol. It's no wonder that the bike has been a constant source of fascination since that announcement.

Few, however, have defined exactly what comprised a Black Shadow and how today you can spot a genuine one. "The Vincent Black Shadow" explains how the model was originally conceived in secrecy, its development and subsequent production, discussing in depth those features it shares in common with the other Vincent models and those that differentiate it.

Charting the details of the changes introduced in its production life and the modifications in the interests of speed or improved road performance that may have been done to it by generations of owners over the sixty-odd years since production ceased, Tim Kingham offers a lavishly illustrated and essential read for any fan of this iconic bike.