1949 Vincent-HRD 500cc Series-B Meteor, Registration no. LGN 829 Frame no. R/1/4884 Engine no. F5AB/2/2984 Crankcase mating nos. 40A / 40A
Rear frame no. R/1/4884
? Rare post-war single-cylinder model
? Matching frame and engine numbers
? Restored circa 2016
The Vincent-HRD marque originated in 1928 when Philip C Vincent acquired the recently liquidated HRD Company. ('HRD' stood for Howard Raymond Davies, the Isle of Man TT winner who had founded the firm in 1924). Vincent moved production from Wolverhampton to Stevenage and set about putting his motorcycle design ideas into practice, commencing with an innovative sprung frame that would remain a feature of Vincent motorcycles until production ceased in 1955.
Like Davies before him, Vincent relied on proprietary engines until increasing dissatisfaction with suppliers led to the creation of Vincent's own 500cc single in 1934, which was later doubled up to create the legendary Series-A Rapide v-twin. Post-war this situation was reversed, with an all-new v-twin appearing first, in May 1946, followed by the single-cylinder version in 1949. The latter was offered in two forms initially ? Series-B Meteor and Series-C Comet ? the main differences between the two being the new Girdraulic front fork fitted to the latter (the former retained the old Brampton girders) and the Meteor's slightly smaller carburettor. When production of Series-B models was phased out during 1950 the Meteor disappeared from the range, making it one of the rarer of post-war Vincent-HRDs.
This rare Vincent-HRD Series-B Meteor comes with a copy of its Works Order Form showing that it was despatched from the factory on 14th November 1949 to the Claude Rye dealership in London, while the accompanying VOC communication confirms that the frame and engine numbers match. The Meteor was acquired in 2000, having been barn stored for many years, and has since been restored. The engine was fully rebuilt by Conways (D V Godden Engineering) and the machine comes with the related bill for £5,143 dated November 2015. The primary drive, clutch and gearbox were rebuilt by the owner. Elk Engineering rebuilt the Brampton forks, while the magneto was overhauled by Ribblesdale Auto Electrics and the electrical system upgraded. Dave Woods supplied a new speedometer.
The cycle parts were powder coated and the fuel tank sprayed in cellulose for authenticity, while the original control levers were re-chromed. Other noteworthy features include LED lightbulbs, new wheels rims, stainless spokes, stainless silencer, relined brakes, new control cables throughout, and a comprehensive tool kit. The Vincent also carries a reproduction tax disc stamped with its date of registration. Most of the new parts used were supplied by either Vin-Parts International or the Vincent Owners' Spares Company. A fuller and more detailed description of the rebuild is available. The machine is offered with an old-style continuation logbook (1974), a V5C Registration Certificate, and the aforementioned documentation.
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
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Rear frame no. R/1/4884
? Rare post-war single-cylinder model
? Matching frame and engine numbers
? Restored circa 2016
The Vincent-HRD marque originated in 1928 when Philip C Vincent acquired the recently liquidated HRD Company. ('HRD' stood for Howard Raymond Davies, the Isle of Man TT winner who had founded the firm in 1924). Vincent moved production from Wolverhampton to Stevenage and set about putting his motorcycle design ideas into practice, commencing with an innovative sprung frame that would remain a feature of Vincent motorcycles until production ceased in 1955.
Like Davies before him, Vincent relied on proprietary engines until increasing dissatisfaction with suppliers led to the creation of Vincent's own 500cc single in 1934, which was later doubled up to create the legendary Series-A Rapide v-twin. Post-war this situation was reversed, with an all-new v-twin appearing first, in May 1946, followed by the single-cylinder version in 1949. The latter was offered in two forms initially ? Series-B Meteor and Series-C Comet ? the main differences between the two being the new Girdraulic front fork fitted to the latter (the former retained the old Brampton girders) and the Meteor's slightly smaller carburettor. When production of Series-B models was phased out during 1950 the Meteor disappeared from the range, making it one of the rarer of post-war Vincent-HRDs.
This rare Vincent-HRD Series-B Meteor comes with a copy of its Works Order Form showing that it was despatched from the factory on 14th November 1949 to the Claude Rye dealership in London, while the accompanying VOC communication confirms that the frame and engine numbers match. The Meteor was acquired in 2000, having been barn stored for many years, and has since been restored. The engine was fully rebuilt by Conways (D V Godden Engineering) and the machine comes with the related bill for £5,143 dated November 2015. The primary drive, clutch and gearbox were rebuilt by the owner. Elk Engineering rebuilt the Brampton forks, while the magneto was overhauled by Ribblesdale Auto Electrics and the electrical system upgraded. Dave Woods supplied a new speedometer.
The cycle parts were powder coated and the fuel tank sprayed in cellulose for authenticity, while the original control levers were re-chromed. Other noteworthy features include LED lightbulbs, new wheels rims, stainless spokes, stainless silencer, relined brakes, new control cables throughout, and a comprehensive tool kit. The Vincent also carries a reproduction tax disc stamped with its date of registration. Most of the new parts used were supplied by either Vin-Parts International or the Vincent Owners' Spares Company. A fuller and more detailed description of the rebuild is available. The machine is offered with an old-style continuation logbook (1974), a V5C Registration Certificate, and the aforementioned documentation.
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Sale price
Time, Location
Auction House
