Built by special order for Australian Tony McAlpine, this 1951 Vincent 998cc Black Lightning, number 7305, is one of approximately 30 models ever built by the British factory. And while this rarity surely helped it achieve the impressive price of 929,000 USD (including hammer), the fact that it had only four owners, with one of those being Jack Ehret, who ended up beating the Australian land speed record while astride this machine, at an average speed of 141.5mph, certainly didn’t hinder the outcome  — can you say jackpot?

Photo: Bonhams