HRD VINCENT BLACK SHADOW 1948 Fulldetail Kit 1/9 – Model Factory Hiro

[About the HRD VINCENT BLACK SHADOW
1948]
Motorcycle maker HRD was first found in 1924 by Howard R Davis, a former
English war pilot who had dreamed of designing high powered sports bikes of his
own. While HRD was able to win races, the company ran at a loss and Davis was
forced to sell his company. Eventually the company ended up under the hands of
Phil Vincent, a young engineer in his 20s who was a fresh graduate from
Cambridge University. In 1928 the company was renamed “The Vincent HRD
Company Ltd.”, and various racing and sport bikes were built and produced
under Vincent’s vision. A few years later, engineer Phil Irving joined the
company as engine designer, and in 1936 the company created the “Series
A Rapide” – a motorcycle equipped with a 988cc 50 degree V twin engine
and capable of going up with speeds of 100 miles per hour (160km/h), earning it
the title of “fastest sports bike” during its time.
After the events of World War II, Vincent went back into sports-motorcycle
production, and in 1947 an upgrade to the Series B Rapide was introduced
featuring new cams, pistons, and capacitors. While having a similar appearance
to the Rapide series, the new line of motorcycles were equipped with an unusual
black painted engine, earning it the name “Black Shadow”. Topping at speeds
of 120 miles per hour (200km/h), the Black Shadow was renowned for its high
performance and class, defining the Vincent brand as the top motorcycle maker of
its era.