1950 Vincent Series C Comet
From the Keith Mason collection

Registration No: DSV 885
Frame No: RC16894
MOT: Exempt

• Authentically restored Series C Comet
• Large paperwork file of the restoration
• Supplied with VE60 and V5C

A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Keith Mason started working in his local bike shop at the age of 15 before eventually branching out on his own a few years later. From humble beginnings selling secondhand bikes from a small shop, Keith built up the Moto GB empire to become one of the biggest motorcycle retailers and importers in the UK. The group has now grown to include 15 retail shops and is responsible for importing 9 different brands, also supplying many independent dealers, including QJ Motor, Voge, Lambretta, FB Mondial, Morbidelli, SYM and Hero. Keith sadly passed away in 2023, but in recent years he had put together a fantastic collection of his favourite classic bikes, ranging from a humble Honda Express to a beautiful Egli Vincent, documenting his lifetime in the trade. We are pleased to offer all 31 bikes from this collection in our March sale.

Introduced for 1935, the Comet was a high performance derivative of Vincent’s Meteor 500cc single. Developed by the Stevenage firm’s chief engineer, Phil Irving, the newcomer featured such niceties as a backbone frame with integral oil tank and cantilever suspension at a time when most rivals were persisting with ‘rigid’ rear ends. Acting as a stressed member, the tuned OHV air-cooled engine was allied to a Burman BAP four-speed gearbox. As well as the standard roadgoing machine, customers could buy competition versions namely the ‘TT’ and ‘Special’ (the latter being a TT fitted with a lighting set).

Initially available in Series A guise, the Comet was updated to Series C specification during 1948 (the Series B label having been applied to the reworked Meteor). Boasting ‘Girdraulic’ forks, Vincent’s sporting single shared its 7.3:1 compression ratio and carburettor with the marque’s fearsome Black Shadow Twin. Credited with developing some 28bhp @ 5,800rpm, the Series C was reputedly capable of 90mph making it faster than many larger-engined contemporaries. Interestingly, Vincent had engineered a Series D Comet by the time of its demise in 1955 but only assembled a single example (others were subsequently put together using parts scavenged from the factory).

Part of Keith's 'Holy Trinity' of Vincents, this Seres C Comet is presented in excellent and standard condition, authentically restored by the previous owner. The bike comes with a paperwork file of receipts and handwritten notes covering the work carried out during the refurbishment, along with a rider's and workshop manual. This machine is being sold as a collector’s item, part of this stunning private collection of Vintage and Classic machines which have all been dry stored for several years and will thus require recommissioning before use. It will be supplied with a continuation VE60 and current V5C.

For more information, please contact:
Ian Cunningham
ian.cunningham@handh.co.uk
07415871189