Footnotes

In its relatively short life, the French firm of Facel produced approximately 2,900 cars, all of which were stylish, luxurious and fast. Hand built, they were, of course, necessarily very expensive – the Facel II was priced in Rolls-Royce territory – and were bought by the rich and famous seeking something exclusive and distinctive. The roll call of owners includes royalty, politicians, diplomats and entertainers: Tony Curtis, Danny Kaye, Ringo Starr, Joan Fontaine, and Ava Gardner being counted among the latter. Confirming that there was high-performance substance behind Facel's unquestionable style, they were owned and driven by great motor racing figures such as Sir Stirling Moss, Maurice Trintignant, and Rob Walker.

Founded by Jean Daninos in 1939, Forges et Ateliers de Construction d'Eure-et-Loir (FACEL) specialised in the construction of aircraft components and metal furniture. After the war the company engaged in the supply of car bodies to Panhard, Simca and Ford France before branching out into automobile manufacture in its own right with the launch of the Vega at the 1954 Paris Salon. A luxurious Grand Routière, the Vega featured supremely elegant coupé bodywork welded to a tubular-steel chassis. The power unit chosen was Chrysler's 4.5-litre, 180bhp V8 and there was a choice of push-button automatic or manual transmission. An improved model, the HK500, appeared in 1957. Maximum power was now around 360bhp courtesy of the latest - 5.9-litre (later 6.3-litre) - version of Chrysler's 'Hemi' V8 engine and top speed rose to around 140mph. Power steering became an option, and Dunlop disc brakes were adopted as standard equipment in 1960. Capable of effortless and completely silent 120mph cruising, the HK500 possessed, according to The Motor magazine, a 'brilliant combination of good comfort and quite exceptional roadholding'. HK 500 production amounted to only 500-or-so units between 1958 and 1961, and today this rare Franco-American Grand Routière is highly sought after.

A left-hand drive example fitted with desirable manual gearbox, this HK500 was purchased in the USA by the Key Collection some 6-8 years ago and since then has been beautifully restored by them.

Should the vehicle remain in the UK, local import taxes of 5% will be added to the hammer price.