Earlier this year, an extremely rare 1951 Vincent Black Lightning motorcycle was auctioned by Bonhams in Las Vegas. Recognized as one of the most coveted motorcycles of all time, it was owned by racer Jack Ehret who used it to set Australia’s land speed record of 141.5 mph. One of just 30 Black Lightnings made, the motorcycle is completely original and unrestored. It went on to sell for $929,000 and created a new record for the most expensive motorcycle sold at an auction. Auction house Bonhams will now offer another Vincent Black Lightning in a sale in October at the Barber Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Alabama, US.
The Vincent Black Lightning is often called the “Ferrari GTO of two wheels” thanks to its rarity and desirability. Only 19 matching-numbers of them exist around the world today. This particular Vincent is the 2nd example of the Black Lightning built by the British motorcycle company in 1949. It was ordered new for Swiss racer Hans Stärkle and his team NSU and has full ownership history. It is also the earliest most original example in existence. According to Pre-auction estimates, the ultra-rare 1949 Vincent Black Lightning motorcycle is expected to fetch around $400,000 – $500,000.
