1960 Facel Vega HK500 - Barnfind

26th Apr, 2023 13:00
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire

https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/l...

Thought to be 1 of only 98, UK-supplied cars
Genuine ‘garage find’ example, residing in current ownership for nearly fifty years
Substantially complete with what appears to be its original Grey leather upholstery
Desirable 6.3 litre, disc braked example
"In the world of motoring some few cars come to deserve the adjective 'great' because, although they have faults like everything else in this imperfect world, they provide such a highly desirable combination of virtues. Driving the latest Facel Vega HK500 in Britain, France, Switzerland, and Belgium…we found it hard to keep superlatives out of the conversation" (Motor, April 1960).

The most famous and successful of the various Facel Vega models, the HK500 was introduced in May 1958. True to company founder Jean Daninos' vision of a hand built 'grand routier' that could compete on the world stage, the newcomer counted the likes of the Ferrari 250GTE, Maserati 3500GT and Aston Martin DB4 among its rivals. Derived from that of the preceding FVS, the sport saloon's tubular steel chassis was equipped with independent double-wishbone front suspension, a 'live' rear axle and four-wheel finned drum brakes (though, discs were soon optional). Maintaining the short-lived manufacturer's reputation for performance, the HK500 was powered by a 5.9 litre (later 6.3 litre) Chrysler V8 OHV engine allied to automatic transmission. While, those looking for even greater thrills could specify a four-speed Pont-a-Mousson manual gearbox and dual four-choke Carter carburettors. One of the fastest cars of its generation, Autocar found a manual HK500 to be capable of 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds, 0-100mph in 19.1 seconds and a theoretical 140mph.

Beautifully wrought, the four-seater's steel body was characterized by a dramatic three-piece grille, wraparound windscreen, stacked headlights, cut-away tail lights and imposing bumpers. As stylish inside as out, the Facel Vega's cabin boasted sumptuous leather upholstery, electric windows and a wood-effect painted steel dashboard. With a select clientele that included Pablo Picasso, Ava Gardner, Sir Stirling Moss, Ringo Starr, Tony Curtis, Maurice Trintignant, Joan Fontaine, Danny Kaye, François Truffaut and Rob Walker, the HK500 remained in production until 1961 by which time some 490 are thought to have been made. Though, the Facel Vega Car Club believe just 98 of these were supplied new to the UK.

Entering the current ownership some forty-seven years ago, this amazing, RHD 'garage find' HK500 is believed to be one of the 98 UK-supplied examples. Left to slumber for decades, it was not until late February 2023 that the Facel Vega was disturbed. Substantially complete down to its windscreen washer bottle and under bonnet lights, the Grand Routier is thought to pleasingly retain its original Grey leather upholstery. Equipped with 'push button' automatic transmission and the larger 6.3 litre Chrysler V8 engine, no amount of cobwebs and dust can hide the four-seater's road presence. Rare and stylish in equal measure, this RHD Facel Vega has the makings of a very rewarding project. Research is ongoing into the car's early history but on the basis that it was 'Rolls-Royce money' when new, the first owner is likely to have been a person of note.

Further information to follow

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
[email protected]
07718 584217