1949 Vincent 499cc Comet, Frame no. RC/1/6845 Engine no. F5AB/2A/4945

1949 Vincent 499cc Comet
Frame no. RC/1/6845
Engine no. F5AB/2A/4945
Rear Frame no. RC/1/6845
Crankcase mating no. 32N.

• Matching-numbers example
• Restored 2007
• Relatively few miles since completion
• Registered in New York

'Apart from the reduction of speed and acceleration to more normal levels due to their smaller 500cc engine, these machines (the Meteor and Comet) incorporate nearly every worthwhile feature of the fabulous Rapides.

'Are they cheap? Of course not! Vincent HRD quality cannot be obtained at mass production prices.' - The Vincent HRD Company Limited.

Unlike in pre-war days, when the first (Series-A) Vincent-HRD Rapide 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 tourer and Series-C Comet sports roadster. Apart from its Burman gearbox and 'missing' cylinder, the Comet followed Series-C twin lines, featuring the newly introduced Girdraulic front fork and hydraulic dampers at front and rear, while the Meteor retained the old Brampton girder fork. 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.

A matching-numbers example registered with the VOC since circa 1971, this particular Comet was imported into the USA by Dean Martin's mechanic in the 1970s, and was once ridden in the Pacific Northwest by Vincent's Chief Engineer, Phillip Irving, during a visit to the area (as confirmed by previous owners). Restored in approximately 2007 by Firefly Engineering Works, the Comet has covered relatively few miles since and is said to be in running and riding order. The machine is set up for touring and comes complete with period-correct Craven panniers. It should be noted that the Vincent's previous UK registration was 'OPK 142' (the numberplates were altered by a previous owner).