1939 Vincent HRD Comet
Fully restored example

Registration No: XXG 122
Frame No: D1709
MOT: Exempt

• Fully restored 2017-2025, still to be run-in
• Matching numbers
• Vincent Dating Certificate on file

Vincent Motorcycles, 'the makers of the world's fastest motorcycles', was established in 1928 when Phil Vincent bought the rights to HRD Motors Ltd. after the company went into voluntary liquidation. With the backing of his family, Vincent acquired the trademark, goodwill and remaining components for £450, renaming the new company Vincent HRD. Initially, motorcycles were sold under the HRD name, using their own frames with proprietary engines. However, in 1934 two new engines were developed, a 500cc single and a 1,000cc V-twin. Always the innovator, Vincent now had full control over his products and began introducing many design features that proved to be ahead of their time, such as cantilevered rear suspension. In 1949, in order to avoid confusion with Harley-Davidson in the USA, they began to use simply the Vincent name on their products. The bikes were the most desirable motorcycles in the world at the time and with some astute marketing, became the machines that everyone aspired to own. The 500cc Comets and the 1000cc Rapides and Black Shadows have become some of the most revered and collectable bikes of their era.

This matching-numbers 1939 HRD Comet was purchased by the current owner as a restoration project around eight years ago. After examining it and identifying the missing components, he set about searching for the few items that needed to be sourced. A couple of years later, work began to restore the Comet to an exactingly high standard. The project finally reached completion earlier this year, and the present condition of the bike testifies as to the quality of the work. We have observed the Comet start and run happily, though it still needs running in plus a few basic checks before being used in earnest. It is accompanied by a current V5, a Vincent Dating Certificate and some images of the restoration.

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217