LOT 479

1950 Vincent 499cc Comet Registration no. LKA 460 Frame no. RC/1/8728 (see text) Rear Frame no. RC/1/8728 Engine no. F5AB/2A/3570 Crankcase mating no. 84C

Sold for £10,005 inc. premium

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 479

1950 Vincent 499cc Comet

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1950 Vincent 499cc Comet
Registration no. LKA 460
Frame no. RC/1/8728 (see text) Rear Frame no. RC/1/8728
Engine no. F5AB/2A/3570 Crankcase mating no. 84C

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 tourer and Series-C Comet sports roadster. 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.

Frame number 'RC/1/5470' and engine 'F5AB/2A/3570' formed parts of a Series C Comet despatched to a dealer called Reynolds in Liverpool in March 1950 (the rear frame is later). Interestingly, there is a receipt on file thanking a Mr I R Reynolds for the sum of £65 paid for the Comet on 22nd March 1969. The seller is not named. The Vincent has been in the present family ownership since March 2016, the previous keeper being listed as Ian Rex Reynolds of Welshpool. The machine comes with an exceptionally comprehensive history file of expired MoTs, old tax discs, correspondence, invoices, SORN paperwork, copies of MPH, parts lists, old/current V5/V5C documents, etc dating back many years (inspection recommended).

Footnotes

All lots are 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 upper frame number is RC/1/5470, which is also recorded in the V5C. The rear frame number is RC/18726. This is from a Series C Comet supplied in May 1951.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Motorcycles