1959→1962 Facel Vega HK 500

In 1959, Facel Vega updated their FVS model and called it the HK500. Included was a Chrysler Typhoon V8 that produced more that 360 bhp and could power the car to a top speed of 147mph (237kph). A year into production disc brakes were included on this model. It was replaced by the Facel Vega II in 1962.

1959 Facel Vega HK 500 Gallery

See full 1959 Facel Vega HK 500 Gallery here

In Detail

type	Series Production Car
production years	1959 – 1962
built at	Paris, France
production	490
price $	$ 9,795
engine	Chrysler Typhoon V8
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
valvetrain	Pushrod OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed	Twin 4-Barrel Carburettors
displacement	6270 cc / 382.6 in³
bore	102.5 mm / 4.04 in
stroke	95.3 mm / 3.75 in
compression	10.0:1
power	290.8 kw / 390 bhp @ 5400 rpm
specific output	62.2 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	220.46 bhp per tonne
torque	539.62 nm / 398 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm
body / frame	Steel Body over Steel Tube Frame
wheel type	Center Lock ‘Turbo’ Wheels
front tires	6.7×15 Michelin
rear tires	6.7×15 Michelin
front brakes	Dunlop Discs
rear brakes	Dunlop Discs
steering	Gammer Cam & Roller
f suspension	Wishbones w/Coil Springs
r suspension	Live Axle w/Half-Elliptic Leaf Springs
curb weight	1769 kg / 3900 lbs
wheelbase	2659 mm / 104.7 in
front track	1420 mm / 55.9 in
rear track	1448 mm / 57 in
length	4597 mm / 181 in
width	1798 mm / 70.8 in
height	1346 mm / 53 in
transmission	3-Speed Automatic or 4-Speed Manual
gear ratios	2.45:1, 1.45:1, 1.00:1
final drive	3.31:1
top speed	~241.4 kph / 150 mph
0 – 60 mph	~8.4 seconds

Auction Sales History

1961 Facel Vega HK500 Coupé HKI BV9 – sold for €134,400 Original American-delivery example. Powerful Typhoon V-8 engine. Freshly restored to original condition. Auction Source: 2015 Paris by RM Auctions

1959 Facel Vega HK 500 HK J2-0426 – sold for $181,500 limited Production of Only 190. Restored by a Facel Vega Dream Team. Transferable Nomination and Invitation to the 2013 Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance. One of the Finest Restored Facel Vegas. Offered with a Jack and Tool Kit. Auction Source: The 2013 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company

1960 Facel Vega HK500 Coupe HKBE5X – sold for $69,000 1 of approximately 500 produced. Advertised in 1960 as the fastest 4 seater coupe in the world. Factory Chrysler V-8 engine. Exotic European coachwork. Unique push button automatic transmission. Hand built work of art. Power windows. Same owner from 1990-2012. Leather interior. Mostly original. Original Jaeger gauges. Blaupunkt AM/FM radio. Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum

1961 Facel Vega HK500 Coupé X3/0535 – sold for €81,650. This HK500 was exported to the USA where it is known to have had three owners: a Mr. Bell until 1990 then Francois Castaing (a member of l’Amicale Facel Vega) who lived in the USA and worked for Chrysler. It then went to Arnaud Bouthenet, who brought the car back to France and sold it to the current vendor circa 2007, since when it has been used sparingly, hence the sale. Completed restored in the 1990s (exact date unknown) the car is finished in silver metallic with beige Connolly leather interior, while other noteworthy features include automatic transmission, power assisted steering and Borrani wire wheels. Offered with French Carte Grise. Auction Source: The Paris Sale 2012 by Bonhams1961 Facel Véga HK500 Coupé BL13 – sold for €86,969. This car was bought in 2007 from Royal Automobiles in La Baule. It had previously been owned for some twenty years by an enthusiast well-known in the Nantes region. With a four-speed manual gearbox, the current owner bought the car in good condition. He had it checked over, and subsequently ran the car for approximately 200 km every year, using it on Sunday drives. His longest journey was 400 km on the Rallye de Pentecôte de l’Amicale Facel, in 2009, along the banks of the Rance, Since its purchase, some work has been carried out, such as replacement of steering components as a safety measure and a new windscreen surround, a tricky and delicate job carried out by Royal Automobiles.

Presented in ivory with tinted windows, the car has its original red leather interior, which has been maintained professionally and has retained its freshness. The rear seats have barely been used. The floor carpets, marked FV, are original, are are the pedal covers. The boot has a lining and retains its period jack and tool kit. Under the bonnet, the engine appears well preserved and the owner assures us that it starts easily and turns over well. This well-maintained car is superbly presented. Auction Source: 2012 Artcurial Motorcars à Rétromobile

1956 Facel Vega HK500 Coupé FV28 -56114 – sold for €70,414. A well-preserved original car, this Facel Vega coupé presents very well. The black paint exhibits a deep shine, and the brightwork shows age but no major flaws. The fawn leather interior has been well taken care of, showing only some creasing to the front seat cushions and a bit of scuffing on the centre rear arm rest, the result of wear from the folding seatbacks. The boot is nicely detailed, with charcoal carpet and black rubber mat.

Equipped with air conditioning, electric windows and Chrysler’s excellent Powerflite automatic gearbox, the car is a delight to drive.

This majestic Facel has been part of the Hooper Corporate Collection for some time and in recent years has been on loan for display at the Auto & Technik Museum in Sinsheim, Germany. The vendor has ordered a light recommissioning of the car prior to the sale further to its long-term display at the museum. The fuel tank has been flushed along with the fuel lines, and the brakes have been taken apart and checked. RM Auctions recommends the new owner complete a full check-over before putting the car to use for what it is known best: Continental touring. Auction Source: 2010 Automobiles of London by RM Auctions