Beskrivning
This motorcycle is Lot 50 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Spring Sale; open for bidding 13-23rd February 2026. This Lot is available for public view and eventual collection from Bonhams Motorcycle Department, Milton Keynes.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 13 February, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 23 February, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 50
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY):
All Lots:
Wednesday 18 February, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 50
Offered from the estate of the late Len Clutterbuck
1951 Vincent 499cc Comet
Registration no. MGW 528
Frame no. RC/ 9305/ C Rear frame no. RC/ 9305/ C
Engine no. F5AB/ 2A/ 7450 Crankcase mating no: 33CC
This Series-C Comet's frame and engine numbers reveal that it was despatched from the factory in August 1951 to Jack Surtees' dealership in London. When Len Clutterbuck purchased the Comet as a restoration project in 2009 it had been off the road for almost 50 years and was in poor condition. The Vincent had last been owned by a Mr Ronald Breach of Catford, South London and was last taxed in February 1962. Len got it running (by cleaning the points and carburettor) before embarking on a full restoration. During the restoration he noted that the engine and gearbox were in good condition, the only major fault being the cylinder liner, which had turned in the muff, blocking off the oil supply to the thrust side of the piston and causing the rings to seize in their grooves. A Sidcup & District MCC badge was discovered, and by contacting the Club Len found out that Mr Breach used to compete in sprints, etc, which is born out by the engine's Grey Flash camshaft and polished ports.
Since restoration, the Vincent has been used sparingly and not started since 2019, although the engine has been turned over periodically. Following a period of inactivity, recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration will be required before further use and thus this motorcycle is sold strictly as viewed. The machine is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate; an HPI report; the 2009 purchase receipt; an old-style RF60 logbook (issued 1955); an invoice for parts; and some pre-restoration photographs. It should be noted that both the V5C and HPI record the engine as frame and frame as engine, and both list the engine number as 'FSAB/ ZA/ 7450', an obvious clerical error.
£11, 000 - 15, 000
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
