Beschreibung:

• Rare Vincent-based competition special • Originally a 1949 Series-C Black Shadow • Matching numbers (see text) • 1985 Manx Grand Prix competitor • Offered for restoration Inspired by the success of George Brown's Vincent-based Nero, Derek Parkin, racer and frame builder from West London, built and campaigned his own lightweight frames for Vincent engines in the 1960s. Between 12 and 14 were built for twins, and it is believed just three frames for 500cc units. Like the Egli, the Parkin frame replicates the Manx Norton in rake, trail, and wheelbase but is based around a Vincent steering head. According to the Vincent Specials site, Egli-Vincent.net: 'The original prototype was built in 1962 and Derek Parkin piloted himself the bike. Out of ten events up to 1967, Parkin scored six firsts, three seconds and one third place, so his recipe was obviously quite good. The Vincent Owners Club awarded him the "Eve Neave Trophy" in 1963 for the most outstanding performance during the season by a club member.' Parkin's bikes featured Norton Roadholder forks, and Norton or Italian Oldani brakes. Bultaco works rider Brian Kemp scored the last ever Vincent national championship race victory on a Parkin-Vincent in 1969. Entered in the Southern 67 Racing Club's Brands Hatch meeting against a field of younger machines, he finished 1st and lapped most of the other competitors while riding Derek Parkin's own bike. This example's owner, regular Manx Grand Prix competitor Dave Dock, bought the machine as a stock Black Shadow for road use. The machine was despatched to Conway Motors in August 1949. 'KXF 355' is the original registration, and the original upper and rear frames, both numbered 'RC4494B', are among the accompanying spare parts. Dave subsequently rebuilt the machine for racing using a Parkin frame, telescopic forks, and a disc front brake. In 1985 he raced the Parkin-Vincent at the MGP, completing five laps before being sidelined due to a loose exhaust system. Dave is pictured riding the Parkin-Vincent at the '85 Manx in 'Vincents, HRDs and The Isle of Man, 1925–1999' by David Wright (page 134) and also in the VOC's 'A Photographic Miscellany' by Geoff Preece (photocopies available). It is not known when the machine was last raced, and its mechanical condition is likewise not known. A wonderful opportunity to own one of the rarest of Vincent-based racing motorcycles.