The Andrew Tillman Collection, 1951 Vincent 499cc Comet Series C

• Matching numbers example
• Exhaustively restored, with some modern improvements
• One owner from 1957 to 2016

With the apocryphal tale of Vincent-HRD Series A twins being conceived as a result of two single-cylinder drawings being overlapped, it could be said that the post-war single cylinder engine was brought about by the use of a rubber – removing the rear cylinder of the existing twin-pot design. In other respects, the layout was almost identical, with the same 'frameless' cycle parts being employed for both types. On the singles, the rear cylinder was replaced with a cast alloy beam, and the gearbox employed was the familiar Burman item, an older version of which had been popular before the war. Announced in late 1948, a few Series B Meteors were produced before being joined by the Comet in Series C form with Girdraulic forks, as opposed to the Brampton girders on the Meteor. The Comet was a little more expensive, being equipped with the new forks, a higher compression ratio, front propstands, and a modified, slightly longer, rear frame section. In most other respects the bikes were very similar. It remained in the model range from its inception in 1948 until 1954.

The vendor purchased RXV 360 at Bonhams' Beaulieu sale in September 2016 (lot 316). At that point, the machine was sold by the daughter of Mr N. G. Gower, who had acquired the machine in 1957 from Mr Mason Merrick of Chelmsford, Essex. Following Mr. Gower's death in 2015, the Vincent was discovered in his garage where it had lain beneath a carpet, being stored for circa 50 years. The machine was previously unknown to the Vincent Owners Club, and was offered strictly for restoration. In 2016 the VOC provided confirmation that the Comet's engine and frame numbers 'are correct and of genuine Vincent manufacture', and that the bike was manufactured in 1950, and despatched from the factory on 17th |November 1950, being sent to the Smith and Double dealership in Ilford, Essex, where it was first registered on 2nd January 1951.

In need of a challenge, the present owner was inspired by the discovery of RXV 360, and was intent on restoring the machine to its former glory, and having purchased the bike, he embarked on a 5 year 'back-to-bare-metal, nut-and-bolt, no-expense-spared' restoration of the machine with the object of the exercise being to restore the bike to the condition it was in when it left the factory. The original parts were reconditioned, overhauled, or restored wherever possible. The petrol tank coach lines are executed with genuine gold leaf, as per factory spec. However, for use on today's roads, the vendor felt it necessary to include a few modern enhancements, to improve safety and convenience on modern roads. These are indicators, a throttle lock (a factory option), a Dave Hills centre stand, and a Vincent-style crash bar. For total originality, all these additions are easily removable. The vendor advises that the cost of the restoration was in excess of £8,000. The comprehensive history file includes a large quantity of associated invoices, and there is also a USB stick with over 2000 photographs of the restoration. Also present is a complete original Vincent tool kit in the lockable tool tray beneath the seat. The Comet has not been used on the road since completion of the restoration, but has, however, been regularly maintained, and started at regular intervals. A new owner should only need to conduct very light recommissioning, and basic safety checks, prior to use.

Documentation comprises a current V5C, a copy of the 1957 continuation RF60 buff log book, the aforementioned invoices, the VOC confirmation of details letter, various related magazines, an original rider's handbook, a copy of Paul Richardson's maintenance book, the auction catalogue when purchased, the previous owner's purchase receipt from 1957, and sundry papers. The machine is presently on SORN, and has keys for the tool tray and the twistgrip. Ignition key not required.