Vincent began in 1928 when Philip Vincent acquired the HRD motorcycle business and established production in Stevenage, England. Working with Australian engineer Phil Irving, he developed some of the fastest and most technically distinctive motorcycles of their era.
The 998cc V-twin Rapide appeared in 1936, followed by the legendary Black Shadow in 1948. Capable of around 125mph, the Black Shadow was the world’s fastest production motorcycle. Vincent combined this performance with innovative engineering, including cantilever rear suspension and, on the post-war twins, an engine that formed part of the chassis structure.
Financial difficulties brought motorcycle production to an end in 1955, but the engines found a second life. In the 1960s, Swiss engineer Fritz Egli installed Vincent V-twins in his own lightweight backbone frames, creating the Egli-Vincent and extending the famous British engine’s sporting career.
