Estimated Price: £50,000 - £60,000
Founded by Jean Daninos in 1939, Forges et Ateliers de Construction d'Eure-et-Loir (FACEL) originally specialised in the production of aircraft materials before the outbreak of war in 1939. After World War II, Facel distributed car bodies to Panhard, Simca and Ford France. It would not be until 1954 that Facel began to manufacture its own vehicle, the Facel Vega FV, which was unveiled at the Paris Salon in 1954. Crippling legislation immediately after the war made it virtually impossible for luxurious cars to be manufactured in France, but despite this, Jean Daninos was passionate about reigniting the romance of lavishly glamorous French motoring.
With no post-war European power unit available that would suitably complement the magnificent luxurious interior and exterior of his new creation, Daninos turned to the 276 cubic inches (4.5-litre) De Soto Firedome V-8. This was a dependable engine, with a 7.5:1 compression ratio and pushrod-operated overhead valves, pushing out 170 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and capable of propelling this imposing piece of French architecture to a top speed of 130mph. Despite the staggering $7,000 asking price at launch, buyers were still flocking to take ownership of Daninos' beautiful creation.
Later developments saw the introduction, in 1956, of the Facel Vega FVS, further evolving into the all-new HK500 in 1959. Mechanically, the HK500 was very similar to its predecessors. The chassis was designed by Lance Macklin, a tubular frame featuring independent front suspension coils and wishbones, whilst at the rear, a live axle is held in place by longitudinal semi-elliptic springs. The chosen engine to power the next chapter in Facel history was the most famous of them all, the 383 cubic inch V-8, which produced a thundering 360bhp and a claimed top speed of 147mph. Through this outstanding combination of alluring styling and significant power, the Facel Vega HK500 legend was born.
First registered in the UK on 29th October 1960, this splendid, right-hand drive HK500 (Chassis #HKBD2, body number 588 and engine number TY7.31570) is fitted with the four-speed Pont-à-Mousson manual gearbox and larger 6.3-litre V8. Our vendor advises that the car retains its matching-number engine and describes it as the later, higher-output specification with twin four-barrel Carter carburettors, producing a quoted 384bhp.
He believes that the car was initially used by the factory for promotional purposes before being purchased by entertainer, singer and actor Dave King, one of Britain's best-known television personalities during the 1950s, and its connection with him continued onto the big screen when the car appears near the beginning of the 1962 comedy Go to Blazes, which starred King alongside Robert Morley, Maggie Smith and Dennis Price. Further celebrity includes a feature in Fred Hobbs' book, A Life With HWM, and an appearance on the front cover of the November 1960 edition of Man About Town.
Subsequent ownership history is pleasingly well documented. Gordon Shunder Davis acquired the Facel in 1964, followed in 1965 by Des Deeprose, co-owner of motorcycle specialists Deeprose Bros. of Catford. Patrick Dermot Maloney of Guildford purchased it in 1967 and retained the car until 1995. Our vendor purchased the HK500 directly from Mr Maloney in 1995, but was persuaded to sell it in 1998, soon regretting the decision and was fortunate enough to buy it back in 2001. Consequently, the Facel has been in his ownership for a combined total of some 28 years. Originally registered 1 PPE, the registration was removed during Mr Maloney's ownership in the 1980s and the car is now registered KSJ 428. The current V5C records just two former registered keepers.
Finished in Peony Red with grey leather piped in red, the HK500 presents particularly well externally, complemented by excellent chrome and stainless steel brightwork. The boot area remains notably original and houses the original complete tool kit, jack and handle. Our vendor has deliberately chosen to preserve the interior rather than restore it, and consequently it displays the patina expected after more than six decades, with some deterioration to the original carpets. He reports that the engine maintains good oil pressure and temperature, whilst noting that the clock and electric windows are currently inoperative. During his long-term ownership, the HK500 has been kept in a dehumidified garage and used only occasionally, with the engine oil, filter and antifreeze changed periodically.
The history file adds considerably to the appeal, containing a copy of the original 'buff' logbook, MOT certificates dating back to 1967, service invoices from the 1970s and 1980s, the owner's manual and a period sales brochure. Showing just over 64,000 miles, this matching-numbers, manual gearbox, 6.3-litre HK500 combines one of the most desirable Facel Vega specifications with long-term ownership, known history and particularly interesting early provenance. The current MOT is valid until September 2027, issued with no advisories.
Sensibly estimated, we encourage your inspection of this rare and charismatic Facel Vega at our NEC Classic Motor Show Sale.
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