In 1948, the first prototype of the Vincent Black Shadow, built to Philip Conrad Vincent’s specifications, was completed by engineer Phil Irving and development shop head, George Brown, and a motorcycling icon was born.
The bike was introduced at the Motorcycle Show at Earl’s Court, London and in May 1948 the The Motor Cycle magazine reported, “It is a connoisseur’s machine: one with speed and acceleration far greater than any other standard motor cycle; and with unique and ingenious features which make it one of the outstanding designs of all time– the mighty Black Shadow must be awarded 99 out of 100 marks: 99 because nothing, it is said, is perfect.”