Description
This motorcycle is Lot 306 - To be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on 26th & 27th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 101 - 147 are to be sold from 14:00 on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Lots 201 - 410 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 27th April 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 26th & 27th April 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
Lot 306
c. 1938 Vincent-HRD 500cc Series A Meteor
Registration no. EYR 15
Frame no. Upper frame no. D1438 (see text) Rear frame no. D1270
Engine no. M620
Meticulously restored by the current vendor
Purchased in 1999 in a dismantled condition
Offered with a substantial history file
Like Howard R Davies before him, Philip Vincent relied on proprietary engines until increasing dissatisfaction with suppliers led to the creation of Vincent's own 500cc single in 1934, which was later doubled up to create the legendary Series-A Rapide v-twin. Two basic different models were offered: the Comet sports roadster and Meteor tourer.
The Meteor was purchased by the current vendor in 1999 from Vincent specialists Conway Motors as a restorable wreck. The front frame member, rear frame member, forks, wheels, engine and gearbox as well as some of the tinware were all present. There followed a complete rebuild of the machine from the ground upwards with any missing parts acquired. The following works were carried out:
1. Brampton forks were re-bushed and new steering head bearings fitted
2. Both wheels rebuilt, hubs polished and rims repainted. All roller bearings replaced. (Rims are pre-
war Dunlop).
3. The front frame member headstock bearings replaced, as were the roller bearings in the rear
frame member. The complete frame alignment checked and found to be true.
4. Petrol tank sealed with aircraft tank sealant.
5. Gearbox bearings replaced, as was the mainshaft.
6. New control cables fitted.
7. Missing tinware acquired and fitted.
8. All painted items repainted.
9. New saddle and pillion pad fitted.
10. Speedometer reconditioned and battery powered clock fitted.
11. Con-rod crack-tested and alignment checked and found correct.
12. Main, big-end and little-end bearings renewed.
13. New standard piston fitted.
14. Cams re-profiled, cam followers re-surfaced, and new pushrods fitted.
15. New valves, guides and springs fitted.
16. Oil pump refurbished and pipework renewed.
The history file contains invoices, photographs, etc relating to the rebuild. The machine also comes with a few spares; old and current registration documents; instruction book, parts lists and technical literature; and assorted Series A-related correspondence. According to the Vincent Owners' Club, engine 'M620' is originally from a Series A Meteor manufactured on 18/ 03/ 1938. Oil pump 'BD74' is from a November 1936 Series A Meteor (not original to 'M620'). Rear frame 'D1270 'is originally from a Series A Meteor manufactured on 17/ 02/ 1937. As far as upper frame 'D1438' goes, the headstock stamping is not of the type used by the Vincent factory and so its original identity cannot be determined. Accordingly prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the composition, originality and condition, together with the validity and status of the machine's Vehicle Registration Number prior to bidding. Key not required
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.
