NEWMARKET, Ont. — The latest motorcycle to emerge from the workshop of Bar Hodgson, motorcycle enthusiast, collector and builder, is a 1951 Egli Vincent named “The Black Panther”. This stunning recreation of this classic motorcycle built by Hodgson will be unveiled and on display as a feature of the ‘Century of Motorcycles’ display in Vintage & Classics Hall 4A at The Motorcycle SUPERSHOW this weekend at the International Centre.
During the Forties and Fifties Vincent Motorcycles were the fastest bikes in the world with the famed Black Shadow producing 125 mph from the factory and the racing version, the Black Lightning, producing 150 mph. In the late Sixties, Fritz Egli used the mighty Vincent engine in his own design ‘backbone’ nickel-plated frame to create an elite bike that became the fastest production motorcycle in the world at that time.
Built by the original owner in the 1980’s then disassembled until Hodgson (pictured) purchased it in late 2010, the Black Panther has been visually lightened by Hodgson’s trimming the original Rickman fairing and modifying the Dave Dunfey designed gas tank to create intersecting ‘blades’. The Vincent Black Lighting spec engine was built by world famed Vincent engine specialist, Mike White. The entire project took a year and a half to complete as parts were sourced and modified.
“Everything I do now is in Vincents,” Hodgson said. “I currently have eight projects on the go in my workshop, and I have the privilege of working with Canada’s finest motorcycle machinists, engine builders and painters.”
The Century of Motorcycles display is the central feature of the Vintage & Classics Hall 4A at the Motorcycle SUPERSHOW and has become a favourite Hall to many show attendees and motorcycle enthusiasts.
For further information on the 37th Annual North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW, presented by Dalton Timmis Insurance, PIZZA PIZZA and Kahuna Powersports, please visit its new website www.motorcyclesupershow.ca.
–From the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW
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