A superb and rare photo of a true legendary
motorcycle, the Vincent HRD that Rolli Free used during this land speed
record attempt at Bonneville in 1948.
Roland
"Rollie" Free was a motorcycle racer
best known for breaking the American motorcycle land speed record in 1948 on
the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. The picture of Free, prone and wearing a
bathing suit, has been described as the most famous picture in motorcycling.
On the morning of
September 13, 1948, Free raised the American motorcycle speed record by riding
the very first Vincent HRD (it is debated as to whether it was a Black
Lightning or Black Shadow), owned by the California sportsman John Edgar and
sponsored by Mobil Oil, to a speed of 150.313 mph (241.905 km/h).
Special features included the first-ever Vincent use of a rear shock absorber,
the first Mk II racing cams, and horizontally mounted racing carburetors. Free
had already developed a style of removing the seat from his mount, and lying
flat prone along the back spine – thereby minimizing wind resistance, and
placing most weight over the rear wheel. It is generally believed that this
bike is The Black Lightning though, a custom order from the factory and was
some 100 pounds lighter and 25 hp more powerful than the stock Black
Shadow. In one of his books, Phil Irving (one of the designers) said that there
were only about 16 of the model produced. The Black Lightning is the fastest
Vincent ever produced.
To protect himself and
allow comfort when in such a position, Free had developed special protective
clothing. However, when his leathers tore from early runs at 147 mph
(237 km/h), he discarded them and made a final attempt without jacket,
pants, gloves, boots or helmet. Free lay flat on the motorcycle wearing only a
bathing suit, a shower cap, and a pair of borrowed sneakers – inspired by
friend Ed Kretz. This resulted not only in the record, but also one of the most
famous photographs in motorcycling history, the "bathing suit bike"
shot taken from a speeding car alongside his run on the Bonneville Salt Flats
in Utah.
This is a very nice and very rare non period photo
that reflects a wonderful era of motorcycle history in a wonderful way. This is
your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice
large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca. 20 x 30 cm). It makes it
perfectly suitable for framing!
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
All our photos are modern photos that are traditionally made from what we believe are the original negatives and are copyright protected.
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files and board backed envelopes.
They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.