1952 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet

• Long-term restoration 2008 – 2020
• Centre stand and Alton 12V generator
• Substantial history file

The Vincent-HRD marque originated in 1928 when Philip C Vincent acquired the name, jigs, tools and patterns of the recently liquidated HRD Company. ('HRD' stood for Howard Raymond Davies, the Isle of Man TT winner who had founded the firm in 1924). Vincent moved production from Wolverhampton to Stevenage and set about putting his motorcycle design ideas into practice, commencing with an innovative sprung frame that would remain a feature of Vincent motorcycles until production ceased in 1955.
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: the Series-B Meteor tourer and Series-C Comet sports roadster. 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.

The Vincent Owners' Club has kindly confirmed that 'F5AB/2A/9224' and 'RC/1/11124' is a standard Series-C Comet despatched to the Conway's dealership in London on 22nd May 1952. Owned by our vendor since June 2021, 'MXY 270' benefits from long-term restoration (2008 – 2020). A centre stand and an Alton 12V generator are sensible upgrades. Last run in October 2024, the machine comes with a most substantial history file consisting of an old/current V5/V5C documents; old-style logbook (issued 1972); VOC dating certificates; copies of original factory paperwork; numerous expired tax discs and MoT certificates; old purchase receipts; and a substantial quantity of bills dating back to the 1980s/1990s together with more recent invoices.
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