Rear Frame no. RC/1/7307

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. 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 girders. 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.

Acquired by the current owner in 1990 from a deceased's estate, this Comet benefits from a full concours-quality restoration completed recently by noted Vincent expert and racer, John Renwick. Consisting of matching 1950 front/rear frames and a 1951 engine, the machine has zero road miles since restoration in 2011 with only rolling road and engine dynamometer time. This stunning motorcycle has been repainted and restored as a 'Shadow' Comet with Black Shadow-style engine and gearbox paintwork, a genuine Shadow 5" speedometer and Shadow finned brake drums. Noteworthy engine features include a 90mm JE piston giving a 572cc capacity, new big-end bearing, Carrillo con-rod, Mark 2 camshaft, Lucas SR1 magneto and Dell'Orto carburettor, while the Burman gearbox has been fitted with a Conway Motors Honda clutch conversion. In addition, new stainless fastenings have been used throughout together with rebuilt wheels with new alloy wheel rims and new tyres; plus new bearings, exhaust pipe, silencer, cables, rubbers, seat, wiring, chains, etc. Additionally, the front brakes have been fitted with twin-leading-shoe back-plate conversions while the improved front and rear dampers and springs are from Thornton Suspension Systems. The machine comes with VOC Certificate of Authenticity, copy Works Order Form and current Swansea V5C.