Description
This motorcycle is Lot 298 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 298
1937 Vincent-HRD 499cc Series A Comet
Registration no. CUR 711
Frame no. Upper frame no. D1308 Rear frame no. D1308
Engine no. C441
Outstandingly original, 'time warp' condition
Last run 2-3 years ago
Offered for recommissioning/ restoration
The Vincent-HRD marque originated in 1928 when Philip C Vincent acquired the name, jigs, tools and patterns of the recently liquidated HRD Company. ('HRD' stood for Howard Raymond Davies, the Isle of Man TT winner who had founded the firm in 1924). Like Davies before him, Vincent relied on proprietary engines until increasing dissatisfaction with suppliers led to the creation of Vincent's own in 1934. An overhead-valve, 500cc single, this all-new power unit was designed jointly by PCV and his Chief Engineer Phil Irving. Messrs Vincent and Irving brought fresh thinking to the design of what would become known as the 'Series-A' motor, opting for a relatively short stroke of 90mm and an 84mm bore, a high-set camshaft, and two guides for each valve with the rocker arm engaging between them; the sum of all these features resulting in a compact engine with considerable scope for tuning. The names 'Meteor' and 'Comet' were chosen for the touring and sports versions respectively of the stylish new Vincent-HRD, which had not even been started, let alone ridden, when it was first exhibited at the 1934 Motor Cycle Show at Olympia. Fortunately, during the Show a tester achieved a speed of 90mph on a Comet, a highly respectable figure for a 500cc sports roadster and one that fully justified Philip Vincent's prior performance claims. In the 1935 Isle of Man Senior TT, three of the new Vincent-HRDs finished in 7th, 9th and 12th places, demonstrating that they possessed reliability as well as speed. Sales increased steadily, but the Vincent was an expensive and exclusive product, and ownership remained the privilege of a wealthy few.
Production of all Series-A Vincent-HRDs ceased on the outbreak of WW2, and today the single-cylinder Meteor and Comet - the machines that effectively kick-started the Vincent legend - are highly prized by discerning collectors.
Purchased new by the vendor's great grandfather, this amazing Series-A Comet has remained in the family's possession ever since and is presented in outstandingly original, 'time warp' condition. The (copy) works record on file shows that the Comet was tested by the legendary George Brown prior to delivery. The first owner went on a tour of Europe circa 1938/ 1939 with friends, travelling through France, Germany, Austria and Hungary, seeing them preparing for war. The journey's associated paperwork is on file but not much subsequent history is known. The Comet last ran 2-3 years ago; however, it will need recommissioning, or possibly more extensive restoration, before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Offered with an impressive history file including a current V5C.
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.
