We believe that Minichamps first announced their plans to build a 1:12 scale replica of the Vincent Black Lightning motorcycle some six years ago. When it was first announced, the minimum advertised price was set at $109.99. Six years later, and with no sign of the bike showing up, that price has steadily crept up to its new price of $179.99. Likewise, the Rollie free version has inched up in price, and is now quoted at $229.99. Ordinarily, we would absorb these price hikes if they were within reason, however, we simply cannot do that in these particular cases.

So here is where we stand with these bikes. Anyone that has prepaid for either of these bikes via PayPal has two options. They can request a refund or accept the price hike and they will be billed the difference when the bike finally materializes. If you pre-ordered these bikes with a credit card, then the new prices you will be billed are $179.99 and $229.99 respectively. If this is unacceptable, please contact us and we will cancel your order. If we do not hear from you, then we will assume that the new prices are acceptable to you.

Keep in mind that although the bikes have been marked up dramatically, we still do not have any idea when either bike will come out, much less post a picture of the hand sample. So, it is entirely possible that the bikes can be delayed further, in which case the price might rise again. We do not know why the bikes have still not been released and are just as frustrated as our valued customers. We apologize for this predicament and hope that you understand that this situation is beyond our control.

First announced over five years ago, it appears as if Minichamps’ long-promised 1955 Vincent Black Lightning may soon be hitting the road (#MIN122134600). The manufacturer’s web site is currently showing an October release date, although no photo of the 1:12 scale replica has been posted as yet and no one at the Company will confirm or deny if this is a hard-and-fast roll out date.

So here’s where we stand with this hotly anticipated bike if it should show up. For anyone that has already pre-ordered the bike, be it five years ago or yesterday, we will be selling the ride for $144.99 less a 15% sales discount. Our dealer cost has gone up substantially since this bike was first announced half a decade ago, so this is going to be the best we can do in terms of pricing. We will not be offering free UPS ground shipping, since the revised price falls below our free shipping threshold of $140. You can, of course, add other merchandise to your order to clear the threshold, thereby getting free shipping to boot (so long as the ship to address is within the lower 48 States). Now, since many of the pre-orders have aged substantially, we will need anyone truly interested in taking delivery of this item to immediately contact us by phone with their current billing information.

Bear in mind that Minichamps still has not posted any updated release information for their 1948 Vincent Black Lightning with Rollie Free figure, so please do not ask us to hold the 1955 bike until the 1948 bike arrives. Frankly, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the 1955 bike isn’t a mirage given the hot summer we’ve had. So, that’s it in a nutshell and let’s hope it was all worth the wait.