Description
This motorcycle is Lot 254 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 254
Property of a deceased's estate
1950 Vincent 499cc Comet Project
Registration no. PVX 606
Frame no. RC/ 1/ 5901 (Rear frame no. RC/ 1/ 5901 (restamped))
Engine no. F5AB/ 2A/ 4001 (Crankcase mating no. 50C)
Unlike in pre-war days, when the first (Series-A) Vincent-HRD v-twin had been created by - in effect - combining two of the existing singles, post-WW2 Vincent's approach was reversed, with the Series-B twin appearing first, in 1946, and the single-cylinder version in 1948. The latter was offered in two forms initially: Series-B Meteor tourer and Series-C Comet sports roadster. The Meteor was soon dropped but the Comet continued in production until 1954, offering the same degree of refinement as its bigger brother, albeit with reduced performance. Even so, the Comet combined a 90mph potential with excellent fuel economy, and was the ideal touring mount for the discerning rider who placed civility of manners and quality of construction above outright performance.
VOC records show that engine 'F5AB/ 2A/ 4001' and upper frame 'RC/ 1/ 5901' are from a Series-C Comet manufactured in May 1950 and delivered to a dealer called Costin in Southend, Essex. (It should be noted that the rear frame has been restamped in an incorrect non-factory font.) This incomplete Comet is offered as a restoration project and sold strictly as viewed. No history is known. A potentially most rewarding project, the machine is offered with a old/ current V5/ V5C documents and copy old-style continuation logbook.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
