1950 Vincent 499cc Comet
Frame no. RC/1/8412 Engine no. F5AB/2A/5290

Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum

1950 Vincent 499cc Comet
Frame no. RC/1/8412
Engine no. F5AB/2A/5290

'Vincent HRD' originated in 1928 when Philip C. Vincent acquired the name, jigs, tools and patterns of the liquidated HRD Company. Vincent moved production from Wolverhampton to Stevenage and commenced with an innovative sprung frame that would remain a feature until closure in 1955. Vincent relied on proprietary engines until increasing dissatisfaction with suppliers led to the creation of Vincent's own motor in 1934. An overhead-valve 500cc single, this all-new power unit was designed jointly by Vincent and Chief Engineer Phil Irving. The duo brought fresh thinking to what would become the Series A motor, opting for a relatively short stroke of 90mm coupled to an 84mm bore, a high-set camshaft and two guides for each valve with the rocker arm engaging between them.

Production was stopped for WW2, then restarted soon after with the short-lived Series B Comet, soon to give way to the successful Series C single, built from 1948 to 1954. Effectively a Rapide V-twin minus its rear cylinder, the Comet offered the same degree of refinement, but less oomph, as its bigger brother. Even so, the Comet combined a 90mph potential with excellent fuel economy, to become the ideal touring mount for the discerning solo rider.

This Comet was substantially modified for vintage road racing probably in the late 1980s; it was then displayed in a private collection from 1991 to reappear recently and thus will require substantial recommissioning.

Footnotes

Offered on a Bill of Sale

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.

Saleroom notices

The frame number is RC/1/7386.

Additional information

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