LOT 119
1962 Facel Vega HK500 Chassis no. HKW9X Body No. 0532
Sold for US$114,240 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 119
From the Ernie Boch Jr. Collection
1962 Facel Vega HK500
1962 Facel Vega HK500
The Audrain Concours Auction|4 October 2024, 17:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1962 Facel Vega HK500
Chassis no. HKW9X
Body No. 0532
Chassis no. HKW9X
Body No. 0532
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
*A wonderful example of the French 'Rolls-Royce'
*Uniquely French style and luxury, with robust Chrysler power
*Highly attractive in bright red over crème leather
*Fitted with rare Robergel wire wheels
*Beautifully preserved restoration
*Perfect for the Copperstate 1000 or similar rallies
*Offered from a prestigious collection of classic luxury cars
THE FACEL VEGA HK500
In its relatively short life, the French firm of Facel produced approximately 2,900 cars, nearly all of which were stylish, luxurious and fast. Being hand built, they were, of course, necessarily 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, company founder Jean Daninos 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 a Pont-a-Mousson manual transmission.
An improved model, the HK500 appeared in 1957. Maximum power was now around 360bhp courtesy of the latest, 5.9-liter (360 cubic inch) 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 CAR OFFERED
Chassis number HK W9 is one of fewer than 500 of the series produced and was originally delivered to the USA via the West Coast distributor, Peter Satori. Production records show it was originally finished in Tudor Grey over beige leather, and fitted with tinted glass, an automatic gearbox, and Excellence-spec brakes and knock-off wheels. The subject of a high-quality restoration, it is presented here in a brilliant red livery. The gorgeous bodywork is set off by beautifully polished stainless steel trim and bumpers – a nod to Facel founder Jean Daninos' background as a pioneer in the stainless steel industry. This looks particularly fetching on its chrome Robergel wire wheels shod with period-style Michelin XVS tires.
The cabin is a marvelous display of mid-century opulence, with acres of leather trim, plush carpets, and a woodgrain-effect instrument panel. The beige seats are piped in red, and rich red carpets tie the color scheme together quite nicely, indeed. The upholstery presents well, with the lightly broken-in leather providing a welcoming environment for relaxed, high-speed touring enjoyment.
On that subject, above-legal speeds are easily achieved thanks to the Chrysler 383 Wedge, fed by a single four-barrel carburetor and rated for 360bhp. The under-stressed V8 sits in a tidy and well-detailed engine bay.
The Facel Vega HK500 is a popular choice among touring and classic rally enthusiasts, thanks to their robust American V8 power and unrivaled luxury. This wonderful example is a prime choice for events like the Copperstate 1000 and would be a fine addition to any collection of eclectic grand tourers.
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