LOT 520
1951 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet Registration no. MAL 190 Frame no. RC/1/7723 Engine no. F5AB/2A/5823 Crankcase Mating nos. 75T / 75T
Sold for £21,850 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 520
1951 Vincent 499cc Series-C CometRegistration no. MAL 190 Frame no. RC/1/7723 Engine no. F5AB/2A/5823 Crankcase Mating nos. 75T / 75T
1951 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet
Registration no. MAL 190
Frame no. RC/1/7723
Engine no. F5AB/2A/5823 Crankcase Mating nos. 75T / 75T
Registration no. MAL 190
Frame no. RC/1/7723
Engine no. F5AB/2A/5823 Crankcase Mating nos. 75T / 75T
Rear Frame no. RC/1/7723
• Matching numbers example
• Present ownership since 1976
The Series B Rapide and Black Shadow were introduced in 1946 and 1948 respectively. The Rapide was a revelation, and its sportier sibling, the Black Shadow, was the first genuine two-miles-per-minute production bike, with a top speed of around 125 mph. With the apocryphal tale of the Series A twins being conceived as a result of two single-cylinder drawings being overlapped, it could be said that the post-war single cylinder engine was brought about by the use of a rubber – removing the rear cylinder of the existing twin-pot design. In other respects, the layout was almost identical, with the same 'frameless' cycle parts being employed for both types. On the singles the rear cylinder was replaced with a cast alloy beam, and the gearbox employed was the familiar Burman item, the older versions of which had been popular before the war, and would prove to be equally, if not more popular, after it.
Announced in late 1948, few Meteors were produced; probably less than 180. It was joined soon after by the Comet in Series C form with Girdraulic forks, as opposed to the Brampton girders on the Meteor. The Comet was a little more expensive, being equipped with Girdraulics, a higher compression ratio, front propstands, and the modified rear frame section. In most other respects the bikes were very similar. It remained in the model range from its inception in 1948 until 1954.
This matching numbers Comet was purchased by the vendor in 1976 (receipt on file). Over the intervening years it has been used most years for road use, on VMCC runs, events, and local shows in addition to trips to the Isle of Man, winning several concours events in the process (copy photograph of one on file).
Unfortunately, due to advancing years, the owner can no longer use the bike as he once did, and feels it is therefore time to let a new owner have the benefit of it. It has not been used for approximately five years, and is presently on SORN. Consequently, although the battery has been kept charged, MAL 190 will require a degree of re-commissioning before use by a new owner. Documentation comprises a current V5C, the aforementioned purchase receipt and copy photograph, together with a rider's handbook.
• Matching numbers example
• Present ownership since 1976
The Series B Rapide and Black Shadow were introduced in 1946 and 1948 respectively. The Rapide was a revelation, and its sportier sibling, the Black Shadow, was the first genuine two-miles-per-minute production bike, with a top speed of around 125 mph. With the apocryphal tale of the Series A twins being conceived as a result of two single-cylinder drawings being overlapped, it could be said that the post-war single cylinder engine was brought about by the use of a rubber – removing the rear cylinder of the existing twin-pot design. In other respects, the layout was almost identical, with the same 'frameless' cycle parts being employed for both types. On the singles the rear cylinder was replaced with a cast alloy beam, and the gearbox employed was the familiar Burman item, the older versions of which had been popular before the war, and would prove to be equally, if not more popular, after it.
Announced in late 1948, few Meteors were produced; probably less than 180. It was joined soon after by the Comet in Series C form with Girdraulic forks, as opposed to the Brampton girders on the Meteor. The Comet was a little more expensive, being equipped with Girdraulics, a higher compression ratio, front propstands, and the modified rear frame section. In most other respects the bikes were very similar. It remained in the model range from its inception in 1948 until 1954.
This matching numbers Comet was purchased by the vendor in 1976 (receipt on file). Over the intervening years it has been used most years for road use, on VMCC runs, events, and local shows in addition to trips to the Isle of Man, winning several concours events in the process (copy photograph of one on file).
Unfortunately, due to advancing years, the owner can no longer use the bike as he once did, and feels it is therefore time to let a new owner have the benefit of it. It has not been used for approximately five years, and is presently on SORN. Consequently, although the battery has been kept charged, MAL 190 will require a degree of re-commissioning before use by a new owner. Documentation comprises a current V5C, the aforementioned purchase receipt and copy photograph, together with a rider's handbook.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Additional information
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