LOT 50

Offered from the estate of the late Len Clutterbuck 1951 Vincent 499cc Comet Registration no. MGW 528 Frame no. RC/9305/C Rear frame no. RC/9305/C Engine no. F5AB/2A/7450 Crankcase mating no: 33CC

Sold for £12,650 inc. premium

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Lot 50

Offered from the estate of the late Len Clutterbuck, 1951 Vincent 499cc Comet

Motorcycles Online - The Spring Sale|23 February 2026, 12:49 GMT|Online, Milton Keynes

Offered from the estate of the late Len Clutterbuck
1951 Vincent 499cc Comet
Registration no. MGW 528
Frame no. RC/9305/C Rear frame no. RC/9305/C
Engine no. F5AB/2A/7450 Crankcase mating no: 33CC

This Series-C Comet's frame and engine numbers reveal that it was despatched from the factory in August 1951 to Jack Surtees' dealership in London. When Len Clutterbuck purchased the Comet as a restoration project in 2009 it had been off the road for almost 50 years and was in poor condition. The Vincent had last been owned by a Mr Ronald Breach of Catford, South London and was last taxed in February 1962. Len got it running (by cleaning the points and carburettor) before embarking on a full restoration. During the restoration he noted that the engine and gearbox were in good condition, the only major fault being the cylinder liner, which had turned in the muff, blocking off the oil supply to the thrust side of the piston and causing the rings to seize in their grooves. A Sidcup & District MCC badge was discovered, and by contacting the Club Len found out that Mr Breach used to compete in sprints, etc, which is born out by the engine's Grey Flash camshaft and polished ports.

Since restoration, the Vincent has been used sparingly and not started since 2019, although the engine has been turned over periodically. Following a period of inactivity, recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration will be required before further use and thus this motorcycle is sold strictly as viewed. The machine is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate; an HPI report; the 2009 purchase receipt; an old-style RF60 logbook (issued 1955); an invoice for parts; and some pre-restoration photographs. It should be noted that both the V5C and HPI record the engine as frame and frame as engine, and both list the engine number as 'FSAB/ZA/7450', an obvious clerical error.
Key not required

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

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.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Spring Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

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Saleroom notices

Please note the full Upper and Rear Frame Numbers are: RC/1/9350/C.

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 client services.
Buyers' Obligations
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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.
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