Description
This motorcycle is Lot 30 to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Timed-Online January Sale, please see the Bonhams website for full details. The timed online auction runs between January 17th through January 27th, with lots closing from midday January 27th 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 22nd January 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, by appointment only at Bonhams Milton Keynes.
Lot 30
1952 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet
Registration no. MXY 270
Frame no. RC/ 1/ 11124/ C (Rear frame no. RC/ 1/ 11124/ C)
Engine no. F5AB/ 2A/ 9224 (Crankcase mating no. 26JJ / 26JJ)
Long-term restoration 2008 2020
Centre stand and Alton 12V generator
Substantial history file
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). Vincent moved production from Wolverhampton to Stevenage and set about putting his motorcycle design ideas into practice, commencing with an innovative sprung frame that would remain a feature of Vincent motorcycles until production ceased in 1955.
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: the Series-B Meteor tourer and Series-C Comet sports roadster. Apart from its Burman gearbox and 'missing' cylinder, the Comet followed Series-C twin lines, featuring the newly introduced Girdraulic front fork and hydraulic dampers at front and rear, while the Meteor retained the old Brampton girders. 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. An expensive machine to produce, the Comet did not sell as well as its maker had hoped and was dropped when the Series-D range was introduced.
The Vincent Owners' Club has kindly confirmed that 'F5AB/ 2A/ 9224' and 'RC/ 1/ 11124' is a standard Series-C Comet despatched to the Conway's dealership in London on 22nd May 1952. Owned by our vendor since June 2021, 'MXY 270' benefits from long-term restoration (2008 2020). A centre stand and an Alton 12V generator are sensible upgrades. Last run in October 2024, the machine comes with a most substantial history file consisting of an old/ current V5/ V5C documents; old-style logbook (issued 1972); VOC dating certificates; copies of original factory paperwork; numerous expired tax discs and MoT certificates; old purchase receipts; and a substantial quantity of bills dating back to the 1980s/ 1990s together with more recent invoices.
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.
