The Black Lightning Rollie Free rode to the 150.313 record on the salt flats
in 1948 was on the salt at World of Speed a few years back. Herb Harris,
the current owner, brought it and another Vincent (that was originally
intended to run on the salt but never made it) for a "return" visit. That's
the subject of the bronze Jeff Decker did called "Flat Out at Bonneville"
... our top speed bike trophy is a smaller, simpler version. It was great
to have the bikes out there. See hippodromestudio.com for photos. I was in
Jeff's studio a week ago with Tom Burkland admiring some other important
bikes he had there. What a trip, watching Jeff get waxes ready for casting
on a new project. It is fascinating and the research he does before
starting a bronze is incredible. Fun stuff.
Wes
on 1/13/05 9:09 AM, ardunbill@webtv.net at ardunbill@webtv.net wrote:
> Hi folks, there is a beautiful photo of what is said to be a totally
> original and intact Vincent Black Lightning on Jim Baltusnik's
> thevincent.com website today. It is claimed that it was ordered and
> delivered with the Black Shadow speedometer seen here atop the front
> forks. It is the only BL that I know of ever seen like that. The rear
> stand on it would have been of use only for convenience in the shop or
> for pit-work. Otherwise, of course, it would have been removed. The
> bike is said to exist today just like this somewhere in Canada, loved
> and protected by its owner, whose name and address is a closely-guarded
> secret.
>
> Check it out! Bill Hoddinott
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