Please visit http://www.godinbanks.com for over 25 photos and more information.
You are now probably aware that we absolutely love these cars here, it is the fifth one we have bought in the last year or two. This, however, is the rarest and the most desirable of them all. It is a 1960 Facel Vega HK500, Right Hand Drive, Automatic Car, Finished in Midnight Blue with Red Leather Interior. It has been the subject of a comprehensive restoration and you now find it in a wonderful condition. It is one of only approx 30 cars known in the UK and they rarely come up for sale.
"In the world of motoring some few cars come to deserve the adjective 'great' because, although they have faults like everything else in this imperfect world, they provide such a highly desirable combination of virtues. Driving the latest Facel Vega HK500 in Britain, France, Switzerland, and Belgium . . . we found it hard to keep superlatives out of the conversation" (Motor, April 1960).
The most famous and successful of the various Facel Vega models, the HK500 was introduced in May 1958. True to company founder Jean Daninos' vision of a hand built 'grand routier' that could compete on the world stage, the newcomer counted the likes of the Ferrari 250GTE, Maserati 3500GT and Aston Martin DB4 among its rivals. Derived from that of the preceding FVS, the sport saloon's tubular steel chassis was equipped with independent double-wishbone front suspension, a 'live' rear axle and four-wheel finned drum brakes (though, discs were soon optional). Maintaining the short-lived manufacturer's reputation for performance, the HK500 was powered by a 5.9 litre (later 6.3 litre) Chrysler V8 OHV engine allied to automatic transmission. While, those looking for even greater thrills could specify a four-speed Pont-a-Mousson manual gearbox and dual four-choke Carter carburettors. One of the fastest cars of its generation, Autocar found a manual HK500 to be capable of 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds, 0-100mph in 19.1 seconds and a theoretical 140mph. Beautifully wrought the 2+2 seater's steel body was characterized by a dramatic three-piece grille, wraparound windscreen, stacked headlights, cut-away tail lights and imposing bumpers. As stylish inside as out, the Facel Vega's cabin boasted sumptuous leather upholstery, electric windows and a wood-effect painted steel dashboard. With a select clientele that included Pablo Picasso, Ava Gardner, Sir Stirling Moss, Ringo Starr, Tony Curtis, Maurice Trintignant, Joan Fontaine, Danny Kaye, Franžois Truffaut and Rob Walker, the HK500 remained in production until 1961 by which time some 548 are thought to have been made. Though, according to the Facel Vega Car Club's website just 98 of these were supplied new to the UK. Facel Ownership is a very exclusive club.
This enticing HK500 is offered for sale with a superb huge history file and a current MOT certificate.
Interior:
The inside is believed to be totally original with original headlining, leather and dashboard all of which are in a superb condition and need nothing at all. The carpets were replaced during the restoration. All the dials and instruments work as they should and there is nothing that needs addressing immediately.
Exterior:
This HK500 underwent an extensive restoration some years ago. The car is now in a very nice condition indeed with the chromework, glass, wheels and tyres all good.
Mechanical:
In addition to the restoration work, the car benefitted from much mechanical work. A desirable Automatic gearbox car (converted from Manual) it rides on correct-type Borrani knock-off wheels.
Summary
This is an incredibly rare and valuable car, it is a fine example which will be hard to replicate. The car has been the subject of a comprehensive restoration and is as clean underside as it is on top. Prices on the continent for these cars have already reached the correct levels with nice restored examples regularly fetching £90k Plus. Search the Internet for other available examples. This is twice the fun and exclusivity of a DB5 for a quarter of the price!This is a great price for a very rare car in a wonderful condition. Very rare opportunity.
|
