1953 Vincent Black Shadow

Offered to the Midsonian Museum by Gordon Hanson

Restoration by Middy Boggio

Purchased in 1955 as a Comet from Marty Dickerson (Hawthorne CA – it was his last bike!), Gordon found a Black Shadow with a bent front end – whoa—la:

He had a Black Shadow!                       

Gordon built the bike to run DAYTONA, but Harley had a stranglehold on the rules and made it illegal. So, it was drag raced in 1956-57. The bike ran 97 mph at Santa Ana.     Here's Gordon reminiscing of one ride with the Vincent

The Vincent was in Gordon’s garage for 35 years.     

We would like to gratefully acknowledge Gordon for the opportunity to enjoy and, once again, preserve this outstanding example of motorcycling history!

~The Crew of the Midsonian Museum

Restoration Highlights:

                             Frame                                                                      

                             Engine

                           Cylinders

                              Wheel

Trick ~ Throw Down ~ Cosmic ~ Worth-the-Work—FINISHED PIECE OF ART!