€160,000
offers 1
1959 Facel Vega HK500
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***Vendor supplied images***
Highlights
- Comprehensively restored to an exceptional standard during previous ownership
- Exquisite retrimmed interior, with cognac leather upholstery and hand painted wood-effect dashboard
- Powered by a 6.3-litre Chrysler V8 mated to an automatic gearbox
- Running well and used regularly during present ownership without issue
- Beautifully presented in fantastic overall condition
The Appeal
Blurring the boundaries between automotive design and fine art, the Facel Vega HK500 was just about the most exotic automobile of the era. What makes it so exquisite is the fact that nobody needs a Facel Vega. Its sole purpose was to be magnificent, and at that, it excelled.
We’re honoured to offer this excellent 1959 example which has been restored to an exemplary standard. Used regularly in present ownership, the vendor reports that it drives exceptionally and naturally, becomes the centre of attention wherever it graces with its presence.
Beneath the sculptural bodywork, beats the heart of an all-American 6.3-litre Chrysler V8. You wouldn’t necessarily think that V8 muscle and French sophistication would make good bedfellows, and yet the HK500 proved that a car could be both cultured and brutish at the same time.
A particular highlight of this particular HK500 is the interior, which the vendor identifies as its best feature. Reupholstered in swathes of fine cognac leather, it’s one of the most opulent interiors we have ever encountered and yet it isn’t the least bit garish.
Fewer than 850 HK500s were made and as the custodian of more than one Facel Vega, the vendor believes this to be amongst the best in existence. This is therefore a rare and excellent opportunity to acquire one of the most accomplished motor cars of all time.
The History and Paperwork
- Left-hand drive
- One of fewer than 850 HK500s built
- Acquired by the vendor at auction
- The car previously resided in Great Britain
- Restored during previous ownership to an exceedingly good standard
- Passed historic vehicle technical examination in Slovakia
- Historical car certificate present
- Registration documentation and identity card present and correct
The Interior
- Restored to original period specifications
- Fully retrimmed - including the headlining and pillars
- Cognac leather upholstery
- Hand painted wood-effect metal dashboard
- Jaeger instrumentation
- Quilted headlining and fuel tank cover with diamond stitch pattern
- Pale blue carpets piped in cognac to match the upholstery
- Generous boot space - ideal for touring
- Push button gear selection
While we would find it immensely challenging to single out one element of the magnificent car as our favourite, the vendor believes that the interior is its best feature. It boasts the typically French quirkiness we know and love while also being incredibly luxurious.
Cognac leather adorns the seats, door cards and headlining and all are in fantastic condition, with very little wear to be seen. Evidently the finest hides have been sourced to retrim this car and the craftsmanship is evident everywhere you look.
Facel Vega could well have veneered their dashboards like everyone else building high end cars in the period and yet, for reasons entirely of their own, they decided to have artisans paint highly figured wood grain onto a metal panel with all the flair of France’s great impressionists. This has likely been refinished during the restoration and there are several specialists who have spent years perfecting the art of restoring these ornate dashboard panels. Stylish Jaeger instruments keep the driver abreast of all the mechanical goings-on, and no doubt the impressive speed at which they are travelling… All of these present immensely well and we understand everything to be in good working order.
The Exterior
- Graceful styling penned by Jean Daninos
- Restored and repainted to a brilliant standard
- No visible damage, deterioration or excessive wear
- Excellent brightwork
- Impeccably presented underneath
Reflecting the Facel Vega’s Franco-American composition, the styling too is suitably transatlantic with ‘50s American flair seamlessly blended with French haute couture. You could spend hours admiring the finer details, such as the highly sculpted bumpers and totem-like tail lights displaying the Facel Vega ‘V’. As a generously proportioned two-door coupé, the HK500 has such a strong presence and is guaranteed to attract a number of admiring onlookers.
As with the interior, the bodywork of this example has been very well restored and the blue paintwork exhibits a deep and lustrous shine. There are no visual defects of any note and the vendor assures us that there’s no corrosion or damage whatsoever. The trim presents well too, as does that imposing front grille. It sits upon chromed alloy wheels, which appropriately, are not overly bright so as to distract from the overall effect of Jean Daninos’ accomplished styling.
The Mechanics
- 6.3-litre Chrysler V8
- Equipped with Edelbrock carburetion
- Automatic gearbox
- Beautifully presented engine compartment
Many an innovative French car could be accused of being under-engined when it came to production, but this is not so with the Facel Vega HK500. This one is powered by a monstrous 6.3-litre Chrysler V8 which, unsurprisingly, delivers a great deal of power and torque to the rear wheels. This one has an automatic gearbox, which really suits the nature of the power delivery and relaxed long distance cruising these GTs were destined for.
It has been driven to numerous historic car events and the vendor reports that the drivetrain has proved really reliable. They rectified an overheating issue early in their ownership which turned out to be a defective thermostat. It now runs cool and is said to be free from any apparent faults.
Summary
If you’d like to own one of the most avant-garde grand tourers ever devised, this Facel Vega HK500 certainly fits the bill. Having been subject to an amazing restoration, this rare and utterly stunning example would without doubt be the focal point of any collection and in our view, could grace any art gallery or exhibition in the world.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1959
- Make Facel Vega
- Model HK500
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 25,660 Miles
- Engine size 6279
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Bratislavský kraj
- Location International
- Country Slovakia
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