By Bill Hoddinott  (8/16/05)
Photos by Eric Laycock
Russell Wright and present bike owner, Jeff Elghanayan.

After widespread publicity in the Vincent world, about 300 guests assembled on Saturday, June 25, 2005, at Jeff's home overlooking Lake
Arrowhead in the mountains east of Los Angeles.  A show of hands indicated that perhaps 100 of those present were members of the world-wide Vincent-HRD Owners Club(VOC).  A catered luncheon of gourmet Mideastern food was served.

Greetings from Bryan Phillips, President and Honorary Member of the VOC, were read out to the group.  There was an introduction of notables including Vincent racers Marty Dickerson (Honorary Member VOC), Sonny Angel, Bill Martz and Tommy Auger, Max Lambky, and Carleton Palmer. Vaughn Greene of San Bruno, CA who wrote a monthly column for decades in MPH, the journal of the VOC, entitled "The American Scene", was introduced, as were Bill Easter and Tom Gross of the Southern California Section of the VOC; and others.

Next, current MPH Editor Robert Watson of Vancouver brought greetings to the meeting from the VOC Executive Committee, its top leadership group.
Robert was followed by Edith Irving of Warrandyte, near Melbourne.  She is the widow of Philip Edward Irving(1903-1992), M.B.E., C.Eng., F.I.Mech.E., M.S.A.E.(Aust); the world-famous Australian genius who, together with Philip Conrad Vincent(1908-1979), A.M.I.Mech.E., A.M.I.P.E., designed all the famous Vincent motorcycles.

Edith told stories of life with her late hubby Phil.  Midway through her talk, a strong gust of wind suddenly appeared, and knocked down some of the umbrellas on the tables where guests were seated.  Edith stopped for a few moments, and when order was restored, quipped, "That was Phil.  He just blew in!"

She was followed by well-known VOC Honorary Member, Neville Higgins. Neville had come all the way over from his home in Sweden for the Reunion.  He is one of the most famous English Vincent racers, first appearing in 1960 with his home-built specials, including the fearsome blown-methanol "Jindivik", and competing in innumerable hill climbs, road-course, and quarter-mile and kilometer sprint events down to the present day.  Neville is a professional automotive engineer, working for years at the old Triumph motorcycle factory, and completing his career with twenty years to retirement at Volvo in Sweden.

Neville entertained the group for a few moments with his waggish stories, including a demonstration of what 175 mph on a Vincent at the end of a kilo sprint does to one's cheeks!

Finally, Guest of Honor and VOC Honorary Member Russell Wright stepped to the microphone and presented a short talk, after which he did a question and answer session.  The climax of the meeting came when, down the slope of the lawn from the luncheon area, Russell and Jeff removed the red cover from the World Record Black Lightning; which was secured up on a raised stand with starting rollers under the rear wheel.

After filling the abbreviated tank with methanol, the starting rollers were engaged, and the Black Lightning EXPLODED INTO GLORIOUS LIFE!
Russell held the twistgrip on for a few moments of warmup, and then a few bursts of revs, followed by a good long roll of the throttle so that
the crowd could savor the unforgettable sight and sound of the famous machine.  Truly a memorable experience!  It was wonderful to see that
the bike has been kept in splendid original condition, just as it was last raced at Bonneville in 1956.

I will tell you that this was a meet to remember, and all thanks are due to our host, Jeff Elghanayan, and the team that organized it.

The World Record Vincent Black Lightning.  After Bonneville in 1956 Russell Wright sold it to Vincent dealer Harry Bellville of Marysville, Ohio.  A few years later the famous Burns & Wright aluminum shell used for the Records was lost by Harry under mysterious circumstances through the loan of it to a Texas racer who subsequently died.  Its whereabouts have never been known since.

The seat seen on the bike in this photo is not original to the Records era.  A small rubber pad on the rear fender was used at that time.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Russell Wright atop his World Record Black Lightning.