Description
This motorcycle is Lot 255 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 255
Property of a deceased's estate
1950 Vincent 499cc Comet
Registration no. EJN 568
Frame no. RC17/ 1/ 77 (Rear frame no. RC/ 1/ 71377 (see text))
Engine no. F5AB/ 2A/ 5277 (Crankcase mating no. 88P)
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/ 5277' and upper frame 'RC/ 1/ 7177' is a Series-C Comet manufactured in November 1950 and delivered to a dealership called Costin in Southend, Essex (the rear frame number appears to be over-stamped but the component may well be original). Purchased by the late owner in 1997, the Comet has been used sparingly and should require only light recommissioning before returning to the road. Sold strictly as viewed, the machine is offered with its original buff logbook and old/ current V5/ V5C documents. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's originality and correctness prior to bidding.
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.
