1951 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet

• Matching frame/engine/rear frame numbers
• Delivered new to the Isle of Man
• Present ownership since 2020
• Little used since acquisition
• Dry stored when not in use

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.

This matching-numbers (frame/engine/rear frame) Series-C Comet was despatched new to a dealership called Harding in Douglas, Isle of Man in May 1951. As far as is known the original IoM registration was 'NMN 623'. The Comet was believed first registered in the UK in March 2017 and was purchased by our vendor on 9th January 2020 (receipt on file). ('VXS 805' is a DVLA age-related registration issued because original IoM registrations are not transferable to mainland UK.) The Comet has seen very little use since purchase and has been kept dry stored in the garage when not in use. It is only sold because of a lack of space which necessitates downsizing the owner's collection. Modifications include a Mikuni VM28 carburettor, a sidelight switch and an ignition switch. The machine was last started/run on 31st January 2024.

Accompanying documents include Current V5C Registration Certificate; copy of previous-owner V5C (inside page only); DVLA tax reminders; 2016 VOC dating certificate and correspondence; aforementioned purchase receipts; DVLA and NOVA correspondence a receipts for carburettor and bar-end mirror.