Howard R. Davies came to fame by taking a joint second place - tied with the Indian of O.C. Godfrey- in the 1914 Senior T.T. race on a Sunbeam 3 1/2hp. During the 1914-18 war he served in France as an Army motorcyclist before pilot training with the Royal Flying Corps. Shot down twice and taken prisoner, he had the pleasure of reading his own obituary after release in 1918. He became a manufacturer in 1924, taking a TT win in 1926 on a J.A.P.-engined H.R.D. In 1928, Philip Vincent took over the company, continuing the H.R.D name until 1949.

After using engines from outside suppliers, Vincent produced a range with his own engines, the first model being the 1936 Series A 'Comet', a fast 500 cc 'single', with exceptional power, road-holding and braking, much aided by its innovative frame which incorporating Vincent's novel rear suspension with the engine used as a load-bearing component, features which were to continue in the famous post-WW2 Vincent ranges. A very fine machine indeed, the H.R.D. 'Comet' has been hailed as one of the best.

D1601, the 'Comet TTC' offered here combines a historically significant TTC works-tuned 84x90mm race engine built July 1936 with genuine 1938 'Comet' running-gear. Very few of these engines were made, and none post of the really significant pre-WW2 motorcycles, 1937. The rebuild, from large assemblies located in England was by an American marque specialist, using only authentic chassis replacements and new mechanical components from Britain's top specialists. The result is a very rare machine in excellent, concours winning condition, complete with period accessories and seemingly ready to go.

Accompanying the H.R.D. is a file with history, certificates of authenticity, New Jersey title and restoration bills. A lovely bike, sure to be welcomed at any gathering.