Vincent White Shadow motorcycle could bring $110,000

A rare 1949 Vincent White Shadow, one of only 15 ever made, will sell on June 30

An extremely rare Vincent White Shadow is expected to bring superb results in an auction of classic cars and vintage motorcycles on June 30.

One of just 15 ever sold by the Vincent factory

The sale is being held at the Castle Combe race circuit in Wiltshire, UK, as part of its Classic & Sports Cars Action Day, where motoring enthusiasts can book track time to test their latest buys.

The 1949 bike is an engine variation of the famed Vincent Series C Black Shadow. It was produced by the factory until 1952 when it was dropped due to a lack of sales. Only 15 of the bikes were sold during this period, resulting in the White Shadow becoming a sought-after item for motorcycle collectors.

The example at auction was completely rebuilt in 1980, when it was re-registered by the present owner. Unfortunately, it is not a matching numbers machine as it has been restored with components from other Vincent motorcycles. Nonetheless, the auction presents an increasingly rare opportunity to own a classic British motorcycle at £60,000-70,000.

A world record was set in 2007, when another of the White Shadow motorbikes brought £81,800 at Bonhams.
The current world record for a Black Shadow stands at £124,700, achieved by a 1955 model earlier this year.

Representing the classic cars in the sale is a spectacular 1910 Panhard-Levassor that featured in the 1955 film, The Man Who Loved Redheads. Originally used as a taxi, the magnificent vehicle was kept in a barn for 15 years by its previous owner beofre being offered at the auction. It is expected to bring between £15,000-20,000.

"It is very rare to come across one of these, its existence was even unknown by the Panhard Club. I have no idea what it will make; it could go well beyond our estimate," commented auctioneer Richard Edmonds.

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Images: Richard Edmonds Auctions Ltd