1936 Vincent-HRD 499cc Comet Series-A

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). Like Davies before him, Vincent relied on proprietary engines until increasing dissatisfaction with suppliers led to the creation of Vincent's own in 1934.

An overhead-valve, 500cc single, this all-new power unit was designed jointly by PCV and his Chief Engineer, Phil Irving. Messrs Vincent and Irving brought fresh thinking to the design of what would become known as the 'Series-A' motor, opting for a relatively short stroke of 90mm and an 84mm bore; a high-set camshaft; and two guides for each valve with the rocker arm engaging between them. The sum of all these features resulted in a compact engine with considerable scope for tuning.

The names 'Meteor' and 'Comet' were chosen for the touring and sports versions respectively of the stylish new Vincent-HRD, which had not even been started, let alone ridden, when it was first exhibited at the 1934 Motor Cycle Show at Olympia. Fortunately, during the show a tester achieved a speed of 90mph on a Comet, a highly respectable figure for a 500cc sports roadster and one that fully justified Philip Vincent's prior performance claims. In the 1935 Isle of Man Senior TT, three of the new Vincent-HRDs finished in 7th, 9th and 12th places, demonstrating that they possessed reliability as well as speed. Sales increased steadily, but the Vincent was an expensive and exclusive product, and ownership remained the privilege of a wealthy few.

Production of all Series-A Vincent-HRDs ceased on the outbreak of WW2, and today the single-cylinder Meteor and Comet – the machines that effectively kick-started the Vincent legend – are highly prized by discerning collectors.

Factory records held by the Vincent Owners Club show that engine 'C391' and upper and lower frames 'D1219' are those of a Series-A Comet despatched from the factory on 20th October 1936 to 'Messrs Hewit & Heley', presumably a motorcycle dealership. The copy of the original works order form states it was built by Ted Hampshire and road tested by George Brown ...'and the weather was fine...'. The oil pump has been replaced at some time as '25' is not the original oil pump fitted to engine 'C391'.

According to our private vendor, all other major parts are factory-original including the engine and frames; gearbox (XBAPH); Speedwell mudguards; headlight; speedometer; horn; oil tank; TT handlebars; tool box; battery cover; and all handlebar levers (the grips are rumoured to be WW2 gas mask piping). The fuel tank likewise is original, retaining its original transfers on the stainless steel sides (the tank has a small dent on its right side which has been left as it is part of the Comet's character and history). The machine is also fitted with a very comfortable Vincent dual seat (plywood base) but still has the original seat frame to enable fitting of a single seat if preferred.

Formerly owned by the Cox family in the West Country, 'CLJ 439' was authenticated by the legendary Bob Stafford, who mentioned the bike several times in M.P.H (the Vincent Owners' Club magazine). The Comet also appeared on the front cover of M.P.H 766 (November 2012). Bob was instrumental in helping our private vendor get the Vincent back on the road.

The private vendor purchased the Comet from Alan Cox in 2009, prior to which it had been stored in a garage for 53 years without turning a wheel (the last tax disc had expired in 1956). Fortunately, the engine's internals had been well preserved. After a sympathetic mechanical and electrical restoration, the Vincent was ready for the road in 2010 and was taken for its first ever MoT. MoT certificates from 2010-2017 and tax discs from 1953-1956 and 2010-2015 are on file. (In 2009 the odometer reading was 20,880 miles and is now 26,181 miles.)

The restoration included having the front brake drums skimmed and fitted with new shoes and cables, and new rear shoes installed. The original wheel rims were trued up; the original Miller magneto and dynamo overhauled and rewired; and the original cylinder head overhauled by the legendary Tom Sawyer, who had some +0.020" rings for the Specialoid piston. The carburettor was overhauled but has since been fitted with a new replica float chamber from Burlen. The clutch was overhauled and new front/rear sprockets, chain and tyres and some cables fitted. The speedometer was overhauled by Dave Woods, retaining the original 20,880 miles odometer reading. The fuel tank top needed to be colour-matched as some of the original paint had lifted. The gear lever was missing but fortunately they were able to obtain a Burman one to replicate.

The 5,301 miles ridden by the private vendor have seen him travel to various Vincent Owners' Club rallies in the UK: Caddington, Fordingbridge, Dorset, and Hever (won 'Best Single') and then in France: St Marcel and Le Bec Hellouin. He has also ridden the Vincent to many other classic motorcycle rallies, both in the UK and France. More information may be found in an eight-page feature published in Real Classic magazine (April 2023, issue 228).

Accompanying paperwork includes a V5C document; the aforementioned Works Order Form copy; a quantity of restoration invoices; letters from Bob Stafford regarding the oil pump and other matters; a Vincent HRD instruction book; a copy of M.P.H magazine with the Comet on the front cover; a Vincent-HRD Club 'The Alternative Spares List' for Series-A machines; photocopied marque-related literature; a number of framed tax discs; and the private vendor's starting and operating instructions (reading advised). It should be noted that on both the UFM and RFM there is a double stamping on the last digit (a 1 under the 9) but all the stamp fonts appear to be the typical peculiar type the factory used for series A's and is believed to be a a factory error/correction.

Series-A Vincent singles rarely come up for sale, and it is doubtful that you will find another example in such original condition as this one.
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