LOT 692 - 1937 VINCENT-HRD 498CC SERIES-A COMET

This motorcycle is to be auctioned at the Bonhams Summer Sale, The International Classic MotorCycle Show, Stafford , 2 - 4 July 2021
SALE TIMES
Friday 2 July
Collectors’ Motorcycles (Lots 1 - 127) Midday
Saturday 3 July
Spares and Memorabilia (Lots 201 - 551) 10am
Sunday 4 July
Motorcycles (Lot 601 - 811) 10am
VIEWING
Friday 2 July 9am to 5pm
Saturday 3 July 9am to 5pm
Sunday 4 July from 9am
ADMISSION TO THE INTERNATIONAL CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE SHOW
Admission is not included in the price of the catalogue. Tickets can be purchased in advance from classicbikeshows.com.
REGISTER TO BID
Bid online or via the Bonhams app. Register to bid online by visiting www.bonhams.com/26514
Contact our Client Services department on: [phone] or [e-mail]
COLLECTION OF PURCHASED LOTS
All purchased lots must be cleared from the sale venue by 7pm Sunday 4 July. Limited collection is available until 11am Monday 5 July, by appointment only, and purchasers must advise Bonhams Motorcycle Department via email no later than 7pm Sunday 4 July if they intend to collect Monday. Please email ukmotorcycles@bonhams. com with your collection or transport instructions as soon as possible following your successful bid. Failure to instruct Bonhams by the given time will result in your vehicle being uplifted to Moving Motorcycle’s Northamptonshire store at your expense. Buyers should satisfy themselves that they have collected all relevant logbooks, documents and keys relating to their Lot(s) at time of collection.
AUCTION ADDRESS
Bonhams
Sandylands Centre
Staffordshire County Showground
Weston Road
Stafford
ST18 0BD
GENERAL ENQUIRIES - GUIDE FOR BUYERS - BUYER CHARGES
Please contact Bonhams Motorcycles.
1937 VINCENT-HRD 498CC SERIES-A COMET
REGISTRATION NO. BUP 616
FRAME NO. D1272 REAR FRAME NO. D1272
ENGINE NO. C420 CRANKCASE MATING NO. 6/6
• Rare Series A
• Matching engine, upper frame, rear frame and gearbox
• Superb restoration
• Awarded Best Post Vintage machine at Stafford show
After an initial flirtation with Swiss-made MAG engines, Philip Vincent settled on JAP engines, as his predecessor had, and introduced his trademark rear-sprung frame. A Rudge 'Python' engine was offered as an alternative to the JAP, but, unimpressed by the standard of 'bought-in' engines, Vincent and fellow engineer Phil Irving designed their own engine for 1934, with their high-camshaft layout. Initial models with this engine were the Meteor and Comet, later variations being the Comet Special and the TT model. The Rapide twin was to follow in 1936, but production lasted only until war broke out in 1939.
The vendor purchased 'BUP 616' in 2007 (sales receipt on file), in complete running order, but in need of attention. He therefore set about a complete restoration of the machine to his usual high standard. The machine was completely stripped, and all the cycle parts were refurbished and repainted, as necessary. Parts were re-chromed or replaced, and the petrol tank refurbishment was entrusted to specialists Lewis and Templeton. The engine and gearbox were stripped as needed and rebuilt as necessary. The bottom end of the engine was found to be sound and, not requiring any attention, was left undisturbed. The owner advises that the cylinder head was totally refurbished. The Miller Dynomag and Amal carburettor were both reconditioned by specialists, as were the Smiths clock and speedometer. Completing the restoration in 2009, the vendor exhibited the Comet at the Stafford show in April 2009, where it was awarded Best Post-Vintage machine. The owner covered approximately 100 shakedown miles on BUP before placing the machine on display at the Lakeland Motor Museum, where it has remained since. The engine has been turned over at regular intervals and will require modest recommissioning if a new owner is to use it on the road.
The history file includes photocopies of the Engine Specification Sheet and Works Order Form, which detail that this Comet was despatched on 14th February 1937 to Mr. W. Parvis, equipped with Amal carburettor, Miller Dynomag, TT handlebars, 120mph speedometer, Dunlop saddle and pillion seat. It still has the original engine, upper frame, rear frame, and gearbox, and was registered in Durham in February 1937. Other documentation accompanying 'BUP 616' includes a current V5C, an old-type V5C, an old V5, a duplicate VE60 green logbook dating from June 1970, an original instruction book, reproduction sales brochure, photocopy parts list, and various invoices and receipts, together with sundry papers.
GBP35,000 - 45,000
€41,000 - 52,000