Vincent Comet

The Comet was the sports version of Vincent's 499 cc single-cylinder range, designed and built at the Vincent works in Great North Road, Stevenage. It was one of four single models, alongside the standard Meteor, a TT racing model and the Comet Special, which was the racer with lights fitted. The engine had an unusual valve design with double valve guides and a forked rocker arm attached to a shoulder between them, meant to remove side forces on the valve stem. The prototype Series A became the production Series B, and after the Second World War the Series C became the ultimate Vincent 500 cc single. A Series D was designed and one built at the factory, with the others made up later from spare parts once Vincent production ceased in 1955. All Comets had Girdraulic forks and sprung cantilever rear suspension.