Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Frame No: CI6663
Engine No: F5AB/2A/4763
cc: 499
MOT Expiry Date: None

Introduced in 1949 and only available in Series C form, the Comet was to the single cylinder Vincent range what the Black Shadow was to the twins range. Conceived as a high speed sporting single, it was built to the same exacting standards and offered the same features as those afforded by the twin cylinder range to those seeking a 500cc machine. When tested by Motor Cycling the new model proved to have the performance expected of a machine bearing the famous name, with a top speed of 88mph and braking that resulted in it stopping in 21 feet from 30mph, the latter figure a record at the time and the former placing it at the forefront of its class.

This particular Comet was first registered on 18th September 1950 in York. It has, in fact, spent its entire life in the White Rose County. Registered as MTC 816, it passed through North Yorkshire hands until being purchased by the late West Yorkshire Road Transport Historian Bob Richardson in the mid 1970's. Bob was putting together a collection which would eventually form The Wigan Lane Motorcycle Museum in Huddersfield's Sheepridge. 18 of Bob's bikes were in the museum there, but, sadly, with the Methodist Church relinquishing the freehold on the property, Bob was forced to find new "accommodation" for the collection. His personal circumstances sadly altered and over the years the bikes were sold, given away or lost until just the comet is now thought to remain. Sadly Bob passed away 5 years ago and the Comet has been in the cellar of a church for all of that time, in fact it has been there since 1994! Being offered today directly from the estate it comes with an assortment of spare parts and the buff logbook, together with a DVLA Continuation form filled out by Bob himself, although he unfortunately never sent it off. Bob removed the tank before he put the bike away into store, as he loved looking at it, almost as a piece of sculpture, the quality of the restoration work is shown in the tank's survival. All in all, this bike has led a sad life, but is surely deserving of a meticulous restoration.