- Auctions
- The Iconic Motorcycle Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025
- 1951 Vincent Series C Comet 499cc
1951 Vincent Series C Comet 499cc
Lot Number: 582
1951 Vincent Series C Comet 499cc
Part of the Jim Richardson Collection. An older restoration, it remains matching numbers and presents well. Known history, it was used regularly up until 2023, but has not been on the road since so may require some light recommissioning.
- ESTIMATE: £6,000 - £8,000
+ buyer's premium of 15% plus VAT (18% incl VAT)
You can choose to bid in the room, by phone, online or via commission.
LIVE AUCTION: This lot will be auctioned on Sunday 9th November, 2025 at 10.00am local time at NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT
-
REG NUMBER
XMD 511
SUMMARY
Part of the Jim Richardson Collection. An older restoration, it remains matching numbers and presents well. Known history, it was used regularly up until 2023, but has not been on the road since so may require some light recommissioning.
DESCRIPTION
- The Comet was the single-cylinder stablemate to the legendary Rapide and Black Shadow, sharing much of their advanced engineering in a lighter, more manageable package
- Powered by a 499cc OHV single producing around 28bhp, the Comet was capable of speeds approaching 90mph – remarkable performance for a ½-litre machine of the early 1950s
- Built around Vincent’s innovative 'backbone' frame with cantilever rear suspension, the Comet delivered handling and comfort far ahead of its contemporaries. High quality cycle parts, excellent brakes, and refined engineering made it one of the most sophisticated singles of its day
- With production ending in 1955, surviving Comets are increasingly sought after, prized for their usability, rarity, and direct link to the most celebrated British motorcycles of the post-war era
- Offered here is a fine example of the 1951 Series C originally owned by an Ivan Langford of Oxford, then Tim Pratt of Marlow for many years and finally by Jim himself in 2006
- An older restoration, it remains matching numbers and presents well with that classic gentle patina that is so hard to replicate
- Was used regularly up until 2023, but has not been on the road since, though was started regularly up until early this year. May require some light recommissioning prior to use on the road
- History file complete with old MOTs, old V5Cs, invoices, tax discs etc. and what appears to be a transferable registration number
- Correct front and rear frame, engine and crankcase pairing numbers
SPECIFICATION
- Lot Number
- 582
- Make
- VINCENT
- Model
- SERIES C COMET
- Registration Number
- XMD 511
- Frame Number
- RC/1/9619/C
- MOT Expiry
- Exempt
- Engine Number
- F5AB/2A/7719
GALLERY
SPECIALIST
Dan Towers
- Motorcycle Consultant
- 07973 859602
- dan@iconicauctioneers.com
Telephone Dan
WhatsApp Dan
Please note all motorcycles must be out of the venue by 2pm on Monday 10th November due to venue restrictions. We will contact buyers after the sale to arrange either collection or transport with Moving Motorcycles.
Uplift by our motorcycle transport partners, Moving Motorcycles, is £125 plus VAT back to their storage facility in Northampton. This includes three days storage.
You can obtain a quote online (see link below) or contact them on +44 (0) 1933 448555 for onward transport to you.
GET A QUOTE - click here
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For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:
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