It was with the introduction in 1948 of the fully race-prepared Vincent Black Lightning that Vincent emerged as the most legendary motorcycle of its time. The Black Lightning fired the imagination of motorcyclists the world over and was known as 'The World's Fastest Standard Motorcycle', a claim it could have made well into the seventies, nearly twenty years after it ceased production.

The Vincent Black Lightning was available as a custom order machine only and sold for around $1,500. Besides the absence of street equipment, a few chassis features set the Lightning apart from other street bikes. The magnesium alloy brake plates were both stiffer and lighter than standard steel plates, racing tires were mounted to light alloy rims, rear-set foot controls, a light weight solo seat and aluminum fenders all helped trim the Lightning's weight to 380 lb compared to the Shadow's 458 lb. Engine specifications varied, but were always based on selection and careful modification of standard parts along with fitting of higher performance equipment. Engine performance was rated at 70hp and the Black Lightning could reach 150 mph. Record has it that only 31 Black Lightnings were built, but in the hands of racers around the world, the Black Lightning did much to enhance the Vincent's growing performance legend.

In the summer of 1955, at a Vincent Owner's Club dinner, Phil Vincent announced that the company would not longer manufacture motorcycles. The board of Vincent had decided that the company could no longer function under the continued heavy losses and that production would cease almost immediately. Rather than abandon company tradition of uncompromised quality, it was decided to discontinue the complete range of Vincent motorcycles. The week before Christmas, 1955 the last of these ingenious machines came off the production line and was labeled "The Last." Phil Vincent promised that parts for his motorcycles would always be available. To this day, parts are made and sold worldwide by Harper Engineering, who bought the company out of receivership.

The gallant V-Twin is far from forgotten. The Vincent Owners Club is the largest single-brand club in the world. Vincents are today regarded as one of the most desirable, collectible classics in the world. A fully restored Black Lightning, or one maintained in original running condition, have been seen in the market for $125,000, that is about 100 times what it cost new. Many are still being ridden in speed events the world over and are enjoying a renaissance in the fast growing sport of classic and antique motorcycle competition.

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