LOT 228
1951 Vincent 499cc Comet Motorcycle Combination Registration no. KAK 844 Frame no. RC/1/10088C Engine no. F5AB/2A/8188
Sold for £17,250 inc. premium
Lot 228
1951 Vincent 499cc Comet Motorcycle CombinationRegistration no. KAK 844 Frame no. RC/1/10088C Engine no. F5AB/2A/8188
The December Sale Collector's Motor Cars, Motorcycles and Automobilia|7 December 2016, 14:00 GMT|London, Olympia
1951 Vincent 499cc Comet Motorcycle Combination
Registration no. KAK 844
Frame no. RC/1/10088C
Engine no. F5AB/2A/8188
Registration no. KAK 844
Frame no. RC/1/10088C
Engine no. F5AB/2A/8188
Crankcase mating no. 7FF
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 and Series-C Comet. 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.
This Comet was delivered via Eric S Myers Ltd, Bradford and sold new to the vendor's father as a solo. It is not known when the Wessex sidecar was attached. In October 2013, the machine was extensively re-commissioned, as evidenced by a detailed bill for £2,936 on file. However, it should be noted that it has not been ridden since then and may require further work before returning to the road. Additional documentation consists of the original old-style logbook; copies of original factory paperwork; a VOC dating certificate; and the current V5C.
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 and Series-C Comet. 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.
This Comet was delivered via Eric S Myers Ltd, Bradford and sold new to the vendor's father as a solo. It is not known when the Wessex sidecar was attached. In October 2013, the machine was extensively re-commissioned, as evidenced by a detailed bill for £2,936 on file. However, it should be noted that it has not been ridden since then and may require further work before returning to the road. Additional documentation consists of the original old-style logbook; copies of original factory paperwork; a VOC dating certificate; and the current V5C.
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