383ci OHV Wedge Chrysler V8 Engine
Dual 4-Barrel Carburetor
360bhp at 5,200rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Dunlop Disc Brakes

*An example of the French 'Rolls-Royce'
*Appealing color scheme
*Equipped with rare knock-off wheels
*Perfect for the Copperstate 1000 or similar rallies

THE FACEL VEGA HK500

In its relatively short life, the French firm of Facel produced approximately 2,900 cars, all of which were stylish, luxurious and fast. Being hand built, they were, of course, necessarily very expensive – the Facel Vega HK500 was priced in Rolls-Royce territory – and were bought by the rich and famous seeking something exclusive and distinctive. The roll call of owners included royalty, politicians, diplomats and entertainers. Confirming there was also 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.

Being chiefly engaged in the supply of car bodies to Panhard, Simca and Ford France, Facel branched out into automobile manufacturing in 1954 with the launch of the Vega at the 1954 Paris Salon. A luxurious Grand Routier, the Vega took its name from the brightest star in the Lyra constellation and featured supremely elegant coupé bodywork welded to a tubular-steel chassis. With there being no suitable French-built power unit, Facel turned to the USA initially choosing Chrysler's 4.5-liter, 180bhp V8. 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-liter version of Chrysler's 'hemi' V8, and the 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 virtually silent 120mph cruising, the HK500 possessed, according to The Motor magazine, "a brilliant combination of good comfort and quite exceptional road holding." HK 500 production amounted to just 500-or-so units between 1958 and 1961, and today this rare Franco-American Grand Routier is highly sought after. The Facel Vega HK500 was designed to go head-to-head with the best grand touring cars on the market at the time. Period promotional literature claimed it could out-perform the mighty Mercedes-Benz 300SL, the Ferrari 250GT, and the Aston Martin DB4.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Finished in a copper/bronze shade of grey, this HK500 looks every bit the statement that these cars were of their period. Its bodywork is heightened by the large chrome bumpers, rocker panels and large chrome grill, as well as knockoff wire wheels. The exterior is well contrasted with a plush leather interior in rich red hides and carpeting, it is a guise that suits the model very well.

The tasteful individual that would have ordered the car when new is not known, nor their successors, until the last two decades when it is recorded that the Facel was the property of the late Bud Mick, a well-known collector from Michigan. Bud's estate was sold on his passing, partially privately and also by public auction in 2008, this car was acquired in advance of the sale by respected St. Louis dealer Hyman Ltd. from who the present owner purchased the car.

In the ensuing 15 years have seen the car stored rather than used, so a proper mechanical check over should be carried out before returning the car to the road, however it was noted that the engine is free and turns over. Aesthetically, the HK500 would appear to have been cosmetically refurbished prior to its ownership by Bud Mick and that work shows its age, the paintwork being micro-blistered on most surfaces and a variety of areas of wear to the bodywork. The dash and seats still present cleanly, though the carpets would likely need replacing.

The American-French bond produced icons such as the Statue of Liberty, the Facel shows what collaborations look like on the road, all the flair of French design and solid mechanical running gear. With some careful attention to the details and recommissioning this would be a great way to sample these cars.