LOT 750
1953 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet Registration no. RUA 388 Frame no. RC/1/11537/B Rear Frame no. RC/1/11537/B Engine no. F5AB/2A/9637 Crankcase Mating no. 38MM/38MM
Sold for £16,100 inc. premium
Lot 750
1953 Vincent 499cc Series-C CometRegistration no. RUA 388 Frame no. RC/1/11537/B Rear Frame no. RC/1/11537/B Engine no. F5AB/2A/9637 Crankcase Mating no. 38MM/38MM
1953 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet
Registration no. RUA 388
Frame no. RC/1/11537/B Rear Frame no. RC/1/11537/B
Engine no. F5AB/2A/9637 Crankcase Mating no. 38MM/38MM
Registration no. RUA 388
Frame no. RC/1/11537/B Rear Frame no. RC/1/11537/B
Engine no. F5AB/2A/9637 Crankcase Mating no. 38MM/38MM
• Matching frame and engine
• Present family ownership since the late 1960s
• Not ridden since the late 1970s
• Original throughout
Unlike in pre-war days, when the first (Series-A) Vincent-HRD v-twin 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' 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 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.
This matching numbers (frame and engine) Comet was manufactured in March 1953. The vendor acquired the machine from his uncle, a former technician at the Granada Television studios (now ITV) who rode it to and from work. The Vincent would sometimes be used for shows or photo shoots, and 'RUA 388' comes with a photograph of model Ebbie Haggarty draped across it, taken outside the Granada studios. Back then, Ebbie was linked with George Best, and was pictured on the front page of the Daily Mirror on 13th January 1971 kissing Manchester United's star player (see press cutting on file).
Original and in un-restored condition throughout, the Comet has not been ridden since the late 1970s and has never been started while in the vendor's possession. Frame and engine numbers are matching, and the machine has not been modified. The Comet's mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to its condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding. Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate; an old-style logbook (issued 1964); and six expired MoTs from the 1970s. Also included in the sale are a headlight and rim; filters x2; Terry's valve springs; drive chain; battery; rider's handbook; and a rear-view mirror.
• Present family ownership since the late 1960s
• Not ridden since the late 1970s
• Original throughout
Unlike in pre-war days, when the first (Series-A) Vincent-HRD v-twin 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' 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 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.
This matching numbers (frame and engine) Comet was manufactured in March 1953. The vendor acquired the machine from his uncle, a former technician at the Granada Television studios (now ITV) who rode it to and from work. The Vincent would sometimes be used for shows or photo shoots, and 'RUA 388' comes with a photograph of model Ebbie Haggarty draped across it, taken outside the Granada studios. Back then, Ebbie was linked with George Best, and was pictured on the front page of the Daily Mirror on 13th January 1971 kissing Manchester United's star player (see press cutting on file).
Original and in un-restored condition throughout, the Comet has not been ridden since the late 1970s and has never been started while in the vendor's possession. Frame and engine numbers are matching, and the machine has not been modified. The Comet's mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to its condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding. Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate; an old-style logbook (issued 1964); and six expired MoTs from the 1970s. Also included in the sale are a headlight and rim; filters x2; Terry's valve springs; drive chain; battery; rider's handbook; and a rear-view mirror.
Saleroom notices
There is a V5C with this lot. Please click the link to view the walkaround video of Lot 750: click here
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