LOT 143
1951 Vincent 499cc Comet Frame no. RC/1/9799/C Engine no. F5AB/2A/7899
Sold for US$26,450 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 143
1951 Vincent 499cc Comet
1951 Vincent 499cc Comet
Frame no. RC/1/9799/C
Engine no. F5AB/2A/7899
Frame no. RC/1/9799/C
Engine no. F5AB/2A/7899
*Participated in the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
*Matching numbers example
The Vincent HRD brand began in 1928 when Philip C. Vincent acquired the name, jigs, tools and patterns of the recently liquidated HRD Company. Vincent moved production from Wolverhampton to Stevenage and set about putting his motorcycle design ideas into practice, commencing with an innovative sprung frame. Like others, 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 the design of what would become known as the Series A motor, opting for a relatively short stroke of 90 mm coupled to an 84 mm bore, a high-set camshaft and two guides for each valve with the rocker arm engaging between them. The sum of all these features resulting in a compact engine with considerable scope for tuning. The names Comet and Meteor were chosen for the sports and touring versions respectively of the stylish new Vincent HRD. Production was stopped for WW2, then restarted soon after with the short-lived Series B Comet, which soon gave way to the successful Series C, built from 1948 to '54. The Comet combined a 90 mph potential with excellent fuel economy, and was the ideal touring mount for the discerning solo rider. The Comet followed Series C twin lines, the model featuring the newly introduced Girdraulic forks and hydraulic dampers at front and rear. An expensive machine to produce, it did not sell as well as its maker had hoped and was dropped when the Series D was introduced for 1954.
There is little history known of this Vincent but whilst in the ownership of the late vendor, it did participate at the Amelia Island Concour d'Elegance. Offered with comprehensive invoices detailing work carried out on the motorcycle (perusal recommended), it will need recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent having been stood for some time.
*Matching numbers example
The Vincent HRD brand began in 1928 when Philip C. Vincent acquired the name, jigs, tools and patterns of the recently liquidated HRD Company. Vincent moved production from Wolverhampton to Stevenage and set about putting his motorcycle design ideas into practice, commencing with an innovative sprung frame. Like others, 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 the design of what would become known as the Series A motor, opting for a relatively short stroke of 90 mm coupled to an 84 mm bore, a high-set camshaft and two guides for each valve with the rocker arm engaging between them. The sum of all these features resulting in a compact engine with considerable scope for tuning. The names Comet and Meteor were chosen for the sports and touring versions respectively of the stylish new Vincent HRD. Production was stopped for WW2, then restarted soon after with the short-lived Series B Comet, which soon gave way to the successful Series C, built from 1948 to '54. The Comet combined a 90 mph potential with excellent fuel economy, and was the ideal touring mount for the discerning solo rider. The Comet followed Series C twin lines, the model featuring the newly introduced Girdraulic forks and hydraulic dampers at front and rear. An expensive machine to produce, it did not sell as well as its maker had hoped and was dropped when the Series D was introduced for 1954.
There is little history known of this Vincent but whilst in the ownership of the late vendor, it did participate at the Amelia Island Concour d'Elegance. Offered with comprehensive invoices detailing work carried out on the motorcycle (perusal recommended), it will need recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent having been stood for some time.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the title will be in transit.
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