1952 Vincent 498cc Comet,

Frame no. RS/1/10788 Engine no. F5AB/2A/8493

• Single-cylinder Vincent
• 90mph top-speed
• Comes with two engines
• Found after 30 years sitting in a dry warehouse

Unlike in pre-war days, when the first Vincent-HRD v-twin – the Series A - 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: Series-B Meteor and Series-C Comet. Apart from its Burman gearbox and 'missing rear 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 but still spirited 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 Motor Cycle tested a Comet towards the end of 1950 reporting that the 'road-holding which is a sheer delight especially at high speeds,' that the brakes were 'light, powerful and progressive' and that it would cruise happily at 60mph with an 'absence of vibration.' Vincent announced price reductions from September 1st, 1952 with the Comet now at £215 plus purchase tax in the UK against a Rapide at £272 and a Black Shadow at £305, both plus purchase tax.
This Series C Comet is offered for restoration. A second engine is in the bike currently but its original, matching numbers, engine comes with the bike. Thus, it is described as a project. It is substantially complete and original – somehow missing its seat stays - and its front brake is not a Vincent item, but is sold strictly as viewed. It comes from a collection of Vincent motorcycles found after 30 years in a dry warehouse in Chicagoland.