Vincent Black Knight ‘Schmaltz’ and unique Black Prince leads remarkable six-bike Vincent offering at Race Retro Sale.
Iconic Auctioneers will present one of the most significant groupings of Vincent motorcycles to appear at auction in recent years, led by the legendary Black Knight known as ‘Schmaltz’ and a unique long-term owner, sympathetically modified Black Prince at its Motorcycle Sale held during the Race Retro Show on Sunday 22 February. The sale brings together six rare and highly collectable Vincents, each offered with strong provenance, at one of the UK’s best-loved enthusiast events.
At the head of the collection is the 1955 Vincent Black Knight Series D ‘Schmaltz’, a machine whose name and reputation have been part of Vincent folklore for more than half a century. Produced in the final throws of Vincent production and first registered in 1955, the Black Knight was soon pressed into hard use before passing to Vincent racer George Breach, who campaigned the machine extensively in high-speed trials, sprints and club racing. Tuned by Jim Smith of Pegsdon and modified with period competition upgrades, ‘Schmaltz’ earned silverware and a fearsome reputation, its nickname applied in gold script during this formative racing period.
That identity never faded. Through a remarkably well-documented chain of ownership spanning more than 55 years, ‘Schmaltz’ has been raced, toured, restored and rediscovered. Today it remains a matching-numbers Vincent, supported by a Vincent Certificate of Authenticity and a substantial history file. Part of a significant private collection since 2018 and unused for the past couple of years, it will require recommissioning before returning to the road, but its story, condition and provenance make it a centrepiece lot of the sale (Estimate £25,000 – £35,000).
One of the most distinctive machines in the group is the 1950 Vincent Black Prince Series D Combination. Fitted with a Watsonian Monaco sidecar, it was bought by its owner in the mid-1960s and remained in his ownership for more than 50 years. In that time, he used the Black Prince to travel extensively throughout the UK and Europe, even completing a trip to Canada in the 1980s. During this time, it has undergone several modifications to make it an easier machine to live with on long distance journeys, including the fitment of disc brakes, an electric starter motor and even satellite navigation. While many Vincents of the era, including the Black Prince, are considered highly collectible artworks as much as motorcycles, this example stands out for its enthusiastic and ample use. (£25,000 to £30,000).
Rob Hubbard, Managing Director and Principal Auctioneer at Iconic Auctioneers, said: “In a world where many Vincents are treated as highly cossetted collectors’ items, both the Black Knight and Black Prince on offer represent something truly different. One is a Vincent raced competitively for much of its life – something almost unheard of – the other is one that has been used to travel the world and make memories for over half a century. They are both truly remarkable machines, the likes of which are unlikely to ever be seen again.”
Also offered is a 1952 Vincent Black Shadow Series C, a model long regarded as the benchmark by which all other post-war performance motorcycles are judged. Restored around 15 years ago, this example benefits from a comprehensive history file and presents as a highly authentic representation of Vincent’s most famous road machine. Having seen little use in recent years, it will also require light recommissioning before returning to active duty, offering its next owner the chance to enjoy one of classic motorcycling’s most recognisable silhouettes once more (£40,000 to £50,000).
The sale also includes a 1953 Vincent Series C Rapide Touring, descended from the HRD Vincent Rapide first introduced in 1946 and widely regarded as one of the most advanced motorcycles of its era. Built around Vincent’s distinctive frameless design, it is presented in late touring specification. This largely unrestored example has been run recently, stored carefully as part of a private collection, and retains matching numbers, Vincent Owners Club recognition and desirable original features including Vokes air filters (£30,000 to £40,000).
Also offered is a 1953 Vincent Rapide Series C, distinguished by its well-documented ownership history and evidence of careful maintenance. Supplied new via Conways of London, it has only had four owners in its 73 years and is accompanied by a detailed history file. With limited use in recent years, it represents a charismatic and highly usable example of Vincent’s celebrated V-twin (£25,000 to £35,000).
Rounding out the Vincent offering is a 1950 Series C Comet, the single-cylinder sibling to the Rapide and Black Shadow. Restored to a very good standard and retaining matching numbers, it is supplied with a Vincent Owners Club dating certificate and an extensive history file. Lighter, more compact and widely admired for its road manners, it remains prized for its performance and direct link to Vincent’s post-war success (£10,000 to £15,000).
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Bidding for the Motorcycle Sale at Race Retro is open to registered bidders, with live and online participation available. Prospective buyers are encouraged to register to bid in advance via the Iconic Auctioneers website.
More details on each of the motorcycles can be found at https://www.iconicauctioneers.com
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