Lot 313: 1950 James 98cc Comet

By the nineteen-thirties, James had become exclusively a producer of lightweights, using the Wolverhampton made Villiers engine units. The two small machines in the range were the ‘Superlux’, a development of their wartime autocycle, and the 98cc ‘Comet’, which catered for the commuter who preferred the look of a motorcycle to that of the open-framed Superlux. The very successful ‘Comet’ used the Villiers 1F two-speed unit with handlebar gear-change and direct, flywheel-generated lighting and provided 130-mpg transport in that petrol-rationed era. PVS 183 is an example from the first year of production and was apparently rebuilt by its late owner, a professional engineer, remaining in super condition. Presently on SORN and last used in 2004, this little lightweight will need a check-over before use. It is complete with a V5C and old MOT certificates.