LOT 344
1951 Vincent 499cc Series C Comet Registration no. LXX 523 Frame no. RC/1/7428 Rear Frame No. RC/1/7428 Engine no. F5AB/2A/5528 Crankcase Nos. 30R/30R
Sold for £16,100 inc. premium
Lot 344
1951 Vincent 499cc Series C CometRegistration no. LXX 523 Frame no. RC/1/7428 Rear Frame No. RC/1/7428 Engine no. F5AB/2A/5528 Crankcase Nos. 30R/30R
The Autumn Stafford Sale: The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|20 October 2019, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1951 Vincent 499cc Series C Comet
Registration no. LXX 523
Frame no. RC/1/7428 Rear Frame No. RC/1/7428
Engine no. F5AB/2A/5528 Crankcase Nos. 30R/30R
Registration no. LXX 523
Frame no. RC/1/7428 Rear Frame No. RC/1/7428
Engine no. F5AB/2A/5528 Crankcase Nos. 30R/30R
Matching numbers example
• Family ownership from new
• Purchased from Jack Surtees
With the apocryphal tale of Vincent-HRD 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.
Announced in late 1948, a few Series B Meteors were produced before 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 the new forks, a higher compression ratio, front propstands, and a modified, slightly longer, 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 new by the vendor's father in 1951 from Jack Surtees' South London shop, where he was served by a young John Surtees helping out his father in his early racing career, whilst employed as an apprentice engineer at the Vincent factory. Factory records confirm that this bike was despatched to Jack Surtees on 21st January 1951, and when new was fitted with steel black-painted touring mudguards. The Comet was used by its proud owner, although less as years went by, until he undertook some restoration work on it in the early 1980s. At this time a coil ignition system was fitted, and the front wheel size altered to 19 inches to enable a greater choice of tyres. The original owner passed away in 1998, when 'LXX 523' passed to his son, the present owner. Wishing the machine to be enjoyed by others, it was loaned to a museum for display, where it remained until consigned to the Bonhams' sale, so that a new custodian may have the pleasure of its use.
Due to the time spent on display in the museum, 'LXX 523' will require a degree of re-commissioning and basic safety checks before use by a new owner. Documentation comprises a currentV5C, together with some copy receipts. The machine is presently SORNed.
• Family ownership from new
• Purchased from Jack Surtees
With the apocryphal tale of Vincent-HRD 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.
Announced in late 1948, a few Series B Meteors were produced before 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 the new forks, a higher compression ratio, front propstands, and a modified, slightly longer, 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 new by the vendor's father in 1951 from Jack Surtees' South London shop, where he was served by a young John Surtees helping out his father in his early racing career, whilst employed as an apprentice engineer at the Vincent factory. Factory records confirm that this bike was despatched to Jack Surtees on 21st January 1951, and when new was fitted with steel black-painted touring mudguards. The Comet was used by its proud owner, although less as years went by, until he undertook some restoration work on it in the early 1980s. At this time a coil ignition system was fitted, and the front wheel size altered to 19 inches to enable a greater choice of tyres. The original owner passed away in 1998, when 'LXX 523' passed to his son, the present owner. Wishing the machine to be enjoyed by others, it was loaned to a museum for display, where it remained until consigned to the Bonhams' sale, so that a new custodian may have the pleasure of its use.
Due to the time spent on display in the museum, 'LXX 523' will require a degree of re-commissioning and basic safety checks before use by a new owner. Documentation comprises a currentV5C, together with some copy receipts. The machine is presently SORNed.
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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- 19 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 20 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
