Facel Vega HK 500 1960
General description :
Vintage and Prestige Fine Motor Cars are proud to be offering this 1960 Facel Vega HK500 for sale.
Originally Brunswick blue, grey blue interior, rhd, automatic with power steering, 3.31 rear axle (these last two being standard for automatic cars though you could opt for no power steering and 2.93 axle as fitted to manual cars), Borrani disc wheels, disc brakes. Body, or production, nº 609 (this number can be found stamped or written on various parts. HK production nºs run from 353 to 842, hence this one was just over half way through the run.
Restoration work included:•Body off repair and repaint•Chassis repaint and modification for LHD•Steering converted to left hand drive for the European and USA markets. Jaguar Mk II power steering gear used which is an improvement over the Facel power steering system.•Engine rebuild.•Gearbox replacement with aluminium Chrysler Torqueflite 3 speed and new torque converter.•Full interior re-trim.•Re-wiring (partly for the LHD conversion).•Instruments serviced and calibrated, speedometer zero’d.•Other parts being refurbished or replaced as necessary.Current owner – purchased the car sight unseen in February 2013 and it was delivered to UK in June 2013.
Since owning this Facel the following work has been carried out by the owner:
•Re-registration with 1963 registration mark, MoT.•Attend to detail component fittings to get to a standard I’m happy with. For example:o Throttle linkage rebuilt.o air cleaner fit to carburettor.o brake pedal stiffness.o courtesy light fittings, under bonnet and in car (renewed and LED buls installed).o under wing protection panels fitted.o build and replace gear selector gate and rod.o New speedometer cable installed.o Remote fuel filter installed. Fuel tank is actually clean and lined.• Revise steering column to reposition steering wheel and replace original steering wheel with 15” wood rim MotoLita wheel and boss.• Replace steering column seal in top of steering box.• Replace gear selector seal (leaking – work done by Midland Auto Transmissions, Kettering)• New stainless steel exhausts manufactured and fitted by Car City GB, Peterborough. Lifetime guarantee is transferrable to new owners.• Re-build the engine with crank grind (+.020” on mains and big ends), new inlet valves and inlet manifold, re-paint components, all new gaskets and seals.
Other work carried out on the car included:• Re-build handbrake assemblies on rear axle, repositioning cable anchor to improve action, refurbish shoe pivots to eliminate wear, fit new pads.• Steering track-rods replaced with new Jaguar sets having LH/RH threads for easy setting of toe-in.• New front wheel bearings fitted and greased with moly grease.• Re-pipe front and rear brake lines.• Install reverse light switch and connect wiring.• Research and correctly connect kick-down cable for gearbox.• The chassis number is stamped on the chassis and this was verified when current owner had the engine out:
Parts and documentation available with this car include:
•Original RHD steering box with column + other parts to refit RHD steering arrangement. Will need a replacement RHD dashboard which is available from several sources.•Original steering wheel.•2 x Ignition Keys (no door keys have been found but these are believed to be Wilmot Breedon FP series. An FR series key which will lock the passenger door and boot is included).•V5c registration document.•2 x 1970’s MoT certificates.•Current and previous MoT certificates.•Receipts from current owner parts purchases etc.•Folder of miscellaneous documentation including HK500 Service Information, brochures etc.•Facellia Parts Catalogue (slightly useful for original parts id in some areas).•Folder of memo’s from USA Facel Owners Club with general information concerning Facel Vega’s.•Book: Facel Vega, Limited Edition Extra – A Brooklands ‘Road Test’ book.•Schema Electrique Facel Vega HK 500 (HK500 original wiring diagram, 2 x A3 size sheets).•Book: Torqueflite A-727, Transmission Handbook.•Book: How to Rebuild Big-Block Mopar Engines.•Book: A life with HWM – from Aston Martin to Facel Vega by Fred Hobbs.•Book: Holley Carburetor Handbook. Selection, Tuning and Repair.
http://www.vintagerollsroycecars.com/sales/527/1960-facel-vega-hk500/
1960 Facel Vega HK 500 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Grays by Vintage Prestige for £110000.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Facel Vega Model : HK 500 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1960 Sub type : Convertible Location : Essex
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About Facel Vega
Facel Vega was a French automobile manufacturer known for producing luxury grand touring cars with American V8 engines. These cars combined French styling and craftsmanship with powerful American engines, creating a unique blend of European elegance and American performance. Here's a brief overview of Facel Vega's history and some of their notable models:History:
Facel Vega was founded in France in 1939, initially specializing in the production of pressed steel components for various industries, including aviation.
In the post-World War II era, the company shifted its focus to automobile manufacturing. Facel Vega's goal was to create high-end, exclusive, and hand-built luxury cars.
The company's cars became popular among celebrities, the wealthy, and even heads of state due to their unique combination of elegant French design and powerful American V8 engines.
Notable Models:
Facel Vega HK500 (1958-1961): The HK500 was one of Facel Vega's most iconic models. It was powered by a Chrysler V8 engine, offering both performance and luxury. The HK500 was a stylish coupe or convertible that gained popularity among the rich and famous.
Facel Vega Facel II (1962-1964): The Facel II was a refinement of the HK500, featuring a more potent 6.3-liter V8 engine and enhanced styling. It continued to attract high-profile clientele.
Facel Vega Excellence (1958-1964): The Excellence was a four-door luxury saloon, known for its spacious interior and advanced features. It was a favorite of several heads of state, including Charles de Gaulle and the Shah of Iran.
Facellia (1960-1964): Unlike other Facel Vega models, the Facellia featured a smaller 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and was aimed at a broader market. However, it faced reliability issues, which affected the brand's reputation.
Decline and Closure:
Despite early success, Facel Vega faced financial difficulties and quality control issues, particularly with the Facellia model.
The oil crisis of the 1970s further impacted the luxury car market, and by 1964, Facel Vega ceased production.
The company's financial troubles and a series of unfortunate events led to its closure and bankruptcy.
Facel Vega cars remain highly collectible and sought after by automotive enthusiasts and collectors due to their unique blend of French design and American power, as well as their rarity and the famous personalities associated with the brand.