Rollie Free Vincent to feature at UK event

While the cars are the focus of the event, the bikes are just as significant. At time of writing, the motorcycles to feature at this one-off event include a rare 1927 Scott 'works' TT bike, 1954 BMW RS-spec racer, 1966 Triumph Tiger 100, the ex-Raymond Roche Ducati 851, and perhaps most signifcant of all, the 1948 Vincent Black Shadow 'John Edgar Lightning' prototype.

Better known as the 'Bathing Suit' bike, the Lightning prototype shot to fame when Rollie Free, lying prone along the length of the bike, and wearing only a helmet, swimming trunks and slip-on shoes, set a new speed record of 150mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1948. At the time, it was a world record for an unfaired motorcycle.

After its run at Bonneville, the Black Shadow was reportedly converted back to road spec by owner, John Edgar, a US West Coast Vincent dealer, but stored after he crashed the bike soon afterwards. With the decision made to restore the bike many years afterwards, there was really no other choice than restore it to its record-setting specification.

The 'Bathing Suit' bike has appeared at selected events since its restoration, with its appearance at Windsor for the Concours of Elegance believed to be the first time the Vincent has returned to its homeland. The irony with Free's greatest moment being on a Vincent is the fact that he was a staunch Indian enthusiast, and raced the American brand, taunting Harley-Davidson riders in the process, for many years.

In addition to the Concours for invited motorcycles and cars, the event will feature a number of tours, which will have their own separate displays in around the Windsor Castle grounds. A number of these events have capped their entries at 60 vehicles - representing one for each year of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's reign. There will also be displays of horse-drawn carriages and a selection of classic Royal cars - among them Prince Charles' rare 1969 Aston Martin Volante DB6 MkII.

Event details and a full car and motorcycle entry list can be found at www.concoursofelegance.com

Images: courtesy of Windsor Concours and Thorough Events, UK.