Description
Courtesy of the previous owner’s comprehensive rebuild, this motor now dons blue metallic paintwork and cognac leather interior - a beautiful treatment for this handsome coupe.
The current owners have contributed 2000 miles to the car’s modest 26, 664 mile coverage. The majority of which were clocked up taking it to a car show, which involved a 3-day, 1, 500km round trip. It’s comforting to know that this Facel can handle a long-haul trip without any issues.
In the words of the owner: “The best and most notable part of this car is the engine. It’s a massive displacement. It’s a 3-speed automatic, so as soon as you select the gear you can feel the acceleration. Briefly it was the fastest car in the world and you really feel the power when you drive it. It’s a cruiser GT but it has a really powerful engine”.
While the car is a sight to behold, the owner’s probably not alone in thinking the interior is the pièce de resistance. The stitchwork and leather is totally magnificent. The car even comes with a bespoke matching set of three leather suitcases, which neatly fit into one another like a set of Russian dolls.
Like the earlier models, this HK500 featured a wraparound windscreen that cuts into the passenger cabin above the driver’s and passenger’s knees. The rounded hardtop roofline and the tall front fenders and rear quarters hinted at a different design direction as American cars were then becoming longer, lower, and flatter. Donning chrome spoke wheels and brightwork to behold, the car features what look like twin stacked headlights but they are actually headlamps on top and auxiliaries beneath. The rear lights are beautifully contoured by the curves of the rear chrome work, while the split exhaust is encased within the rear bumper. The Facel Vega HK500’s design certainly seems to have withstood the test of time.
As mentioned, everything under the bonnet has been completely rebuilt by the previous owner. Under the hood of this Facel Vega sits a Chrysler 361-cubic-inch V-8, a companion to the 383 engines found in other contemporary Facel Vegas. The French company offered both engines at the time. With a four-barrel carburettor, the 361 was rated at over 300 horsepower. It could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/ h) in 8. 5 seconds. Initially, disc brakes were optional, becoming standard in April, 1960. The car also features another Mopar mainstay, a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission, which are shifted via dash-mounted push buttons (mounted to the left of the steering column just above the driver’s knee).
This car is equipped with four-wheel disc brakes and power steering. Everything looks tidy and structurally sound, though there is a smattering of surface rust on the sill on the passenger side.
This car was bought couple years ago from RM Sotheby’s where it has since been registered in Slovakia. To the best of the owner’s knowledge, this car has been completely rebuilt by the previous owner. This included a respray, a restored chassis and drivetrain, a completely redone engine, engine bay and exhaust. The vendor has record of the car having had at least three keepers but does not know more beyond that.
This was a very stylish and exclusive automobile in its day and it is a desirable collector car today. Thanks to the car’s extensive rebuild it is in lovely condition throughout. Not to mention that its durable Chrysler engine and automatic transmission means it should be easy to maintain. For a rarity that should get plenty of attention, we think a prospective buyer will need to part with anywhere between €170, 000-€200, 000 to take this car away.
Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located in Slovakia. The cabin is the pinnacle of luxury craftmanship, adorned in fine cognac leather and light walnut. The lack of a gear lever gives the HK500 a cockpit-like intimateness, treating the occupants to an expanse of leather and presenting the driver to a full complement of gauges. For a 60s car, Facel Vega were ahead of its time replacing the gear stick with push buttons, which are located near the steering wheel column. The dashboard was inspired by an aircraft and it is one of the first to feature a middle console over the gearbox. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s practical, too, as the rear seats fold flat to provide a luggage platform and additional access to the boot. I have never seen an interior like it, even the roof lining is leather. There is no weak point or edge, the leather work is immaculate.
