In a memo dated January 19, 1988, in the bike's history file, it says: 'To Whom It May Concern: This is to confirm that in 1978 Steven T. McQueen and Earl Chalfant exchanged ownership on two motorcycles through the auspices of Starklite Cycle. Dr Chalfont traded a 1939 Indian Chief to Mr McQueen for a 1953 Vincent Comet, serial number RC/1/8800C. The Chief was delivered here by Dr. Chalfant and he later picked up the Vincent. Signed Robert E. Stack, owner, Starklite Cycle.'
The Vincent HRD brand began in 1928 when Philip C. Vincent acquired the name, jigs, tools and patterns of the recently liquidated HRD Company. Vincent moved production from Wolverhampton to Stevenage and set about putting his motorcycle design ideas into practice, commencing with an innovative sprung frame. Like others, Vincent relied on proprietary engines until increasing dissatisfaction with suppliers led to the creation of Vincent's own motor in 1934. An overhead-valve 500cc single, this all-new power unit was designed jointly by Vincent and chief engineer Phil Irving. The duo brought fresh thinking to the design of what would become known as the Series A motor, opting for a relatively short stroke of 90 mm coupled to an 84 mm bore, a high-set camshaft and two guides for each valve with the rocker arm engaging between them. The sum of all these features resulting in a compact engine with considerable scope for tuning. The names Comet and Meteor were chosen for the sports and touring versions respectively of the stylish new Vincent HRD. Production was stopped for WW2, then restarted soon after with the short-lived Series B Comet, which soon gave way to the successful Series C, built from 1948 to '54. The Comet combined a 90 mph potential with excellent fuel economy, and was the ideal touring mount for the discerning solo rider. The Comet followed Series C twin lines, the model featuring the newly introduced Girdraulic forks and hydraulic dampers at front and rear. An expensive machine to produce, it did not sell as well as its maker had hoped and was dropped when the Series D was introduced for 1954.
The Series C Comet on offer here is a 1953 model with a remarkable story as told above. The steering neck upper frame member number must have been re-stamped long ago, prior to McQueen's ownership, for its current number '8800' is known to be on a Rapide although it does have the '/1/' which designates a Comet. The RFM or rear frame member and the engine are a factory match. This nicely patinated machine, unique with the McQueen ownership record, was recently started and successfully ridden, and thus is ready for a new home. Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.