A rare Vincent motorcycle restored in Dolores was recently auctioned in Las Vegas for a record $224,250.
Sam Manganaro, of Vincent Works, is one of a few mechanics in the country who restores the high-performance British classics.
The rare White Shadow model came back to his shop last year for an overhaul. In January, the owner sold it at a Bonham auction in Las Vegas.
"The bidding just kept going up and up. A lot of people could not believe it," Manganaro said. "It is so rare and special, it brought the money."
The 1950 model is one of 15 made. Until 1969, the V-twin, 1,000cc street bike was the fastest vehicle on two, three or four wheels.
The motorcycle that sold has a lot of history, and just a few owners. It was used in the queen's coronation in England, as a courier for glass plates, and was owned by Patrick Simmons of the rock band the Doobie Brothers.
Manganaro is very familiar with the bike, having worked on it for different owners. One owner purchased it just to put it on display. In 1977, the bike sold for $75,000.
"It's a great-running bike. I've rode it more on test rides that the past three owners in the last 40 years," he said.
Vincents have an innovative design in that they don't have a typical frame, rather everything hangs off the engine. The style gives the race bike twice the horsepower and half the weight, which makes it handle and perform well.
The famous Vincents broke race records in their day, but the company's commitment to using only the highest quality parts and machinery put them out of business in 1955.
The limited remaining stock has been shooting up in price ever since.
A 1949 Black Shadow Manganaro restored sold for $145,000 in Las Vegas. He also renovated a Black Lightning model, one of 39 in the world, which sold for $500,000.
Just like gold, "When the economy is down, people will invest in Vincents because they really hold their value. They were ahead of their time," he said.
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com