Vincent- H.R.D. 1938 Comet 498 cc 1 cyl OHV 3603

Vincent- H.R.D. 1938 “Comet” 498 cc OHV frame # D 1530 engine # C868

Since his schoolboy days Philip Vincent had been a great admirer of Howard Raymond Davies, who had begun manufacturing HRD machines at Wolverhampton in 1924. While studying mechanical engineering at Cambridge Vincent built his prototype Vincent Special that already incorporated the strong triangulated and braced sprung rear fork that would remain a feature of all Vincents-to-come.
In 1928 Vincent acquired HRD Motors Ltd. and formed the Stevenage-based Vincent-HRD company; JAP and later on Rudge Python engines were used. In 1932 Phil Irving joined the company and by the end of 1934 the Vincent/Irving designed 498cc ohv engine was presented. It featured a high camshaft (“ Semi-overhead camshaft” as the company called it) and short pushrods angled at 62 degrees. The very advanced design had a spring frame, 7-inch duo brakes on interchangeable wheels, duplex primary chain in cast aluminium oil bath and a 4-speed Burman gearbox. A practical detail was the prop stand, of which the company claimed they were the first to standardise this. The 498 cc engine had bore x stroke dimensions of 84 x 90 mm and was used in several models of which the “Meteor” was the mildest-tuned machine. More highly tuned engines were available for the “Comet”, and “TT”.
For 1938 the “Comet” was available in black with polished stainless steel and red petrol tank. The machines were quite expensive: equipped with electric lighting and speedometer a Comet would cost £96. A 500 cc Velocette was priced at little more than £69, a Rudge Ulster had a price tag of £82 and a BSA Goldstar cost £85, to name a few comparable 500 cc Sports machines. As sales were modest, few of these exclusive machines have survived.

This Comet was assembled in March, 1938 and and has matching frame and engine numbers, as substantiated by the accompanying Vincent-HRD Owners Club dating certificate. She has been restored to a very pleasing high standard and comes with Dunlop drilastic saddle, fork-mounted tyre pump, Smiths 120 mph speedometer, and bum pad. The Smiths 8-day clock that is fitted is an extra listed in the sales literature at one pound, 17 shillings and sixpence. With the machine comes an information file with pre-restoration photos, factory works order form and engine specification sheet, restoration invoices, technical oil pump info and MOT documents. She has come to The Netherlands in 2019, has a current Dutch registration but has been ridden at a few occasions only by a careful Vincent enthousiast.

A detailed photo report (approx. 30 photos) is available for every motorcycle on our website, which we send upon request.