1960 Facel Vega HK500

The Facel 'Vega' was launched at the 1954 Paris Salon and fitted with a Chrysler 4.5 litre Hemi V8 engine, paired with either Chrysler's two-speed Powerflite automatic transmission or, at extra cost, a four-speed manual made by Pont-à-Mousson. The chassis, designed by Lance Macklin, was tubular framed, featuring coil springs and double wishbones at the front, with a leaf-sprung live rear axle. Styling, by Jean Daninos himself, was at the time considered somewhat American, however, this timeless design cuts a look on the Kings Road today.

For 1959, the Facel Vega HK500 was introduced. Equipped at first with the 335hp 5.8-litre V8 from the FVS, the HK500 soon received a 360bhp 6.3 litre Chrysler V8 making for a top speed of 147mph. Sixty miles per hour came up in 8.5 seconds. Initially disc brakes were optional, becoming standard in April 1960.

Chassis number HK1-BW8 wearing registration number "734 AYW' - as it still retains today! - is a car of some significance and an advisable restoration candidate. Offered for sale as the personal property of former UK Facel Vega Club Secretary, Roy Scandrett, the records for this car are immaculate and complete as you would expect. Built in July 1960 as a righthand drive car with automatic gearbox, production number 756 was fitted with Borrani disc wheels and disc brakes and painted in Silver Metallic with bright red leather interior - a proven and timeless combination.Imported by HWM it was sold via Jack Barclay Ltd. of Berkeley Square London to Mr W.A. Shellim on 3rd October 1960, subsequently passing to N. Shrek & Co Ltd in 1962 and to Mr. Hazzard in June 1966. Two subsequent owners have cared for this car before it joined Roy in 1987. A comprehensive service record (copy supplied) was kept by H.W.Motors from pre-delivery check until July 1966 by which time the recorded mileage was 54,248. This includes service information and specification, a workshop guide (en Francais), the Owner's Manual (English) and a copy of the relevant page of the Amicale Facel Vega Register. Furthermore, various magazine articles and road tests plus invoices for work carried out and parts supplied.

From 1987 and throughout our vendor's ownership this car has stood on axle stands in a brick-built integral garage. Whilst the planned restoration has never been completed, the engine has been regularly started and taken to running temperature, going through the gears to ensure everything is free. Engine oil has been changed at frequent intervals. The mileage now stands at 78,363. All exterior brightwork and interior trim have been removed and carefully stored. Every part is accompanying the car to complete the restoration with the exception of one headlight mounting box which can be easily fabricated. The original wiring is in good condition and everything works (apart from the clock - which we're reliably informed is the case in 90% of FV's!).

In 1979/80 body repairs were carried out to rusted areas of interior and boot floor. Sills and lower edges of doors were replaced and the under-body was sand-blasted and treated with Schutz underseal. The car was at this time re-sprayed Black having previously been painted Red at some time. Following an engine failure in 1984 a replacement engine, manual gearbox and rear axle were fitted, obtained from scrapped HK 500 BJ3. The engine and gearbox were dismantled and overhauled as necessary and the power steering ram was removed, ostensibly changing the car to manual specification. The car was then little used after this work was completed and passed to Roy in 1987 whilst showing 78,334 miles. Detailed invoices for the completion of all this work are included.

Work carried out by Roy include repair to the handbrake and stainless steel inserts fitted to the front brake cylinders. A mild-steel exhaust system exits in front of the rear wheels but the remainder of the system comes with the car. New parts obtained but not fitted include windscreen, rubber seals for doors, windows and boot lid. All chrome parts have been re-plated and badges have been restored by Pamela David Enamels. A new brake master cylinder and fuel pump have recently been fitted.

Whilst offered part-restored this is a relatively straight-forward restoration being, as it is, more than 99% complete. For those in the know we'd like to point out that this car also benefits from being offered particularly hard-to-get items including original toolkit and jack, cigarette lighter and ashtray, emergency window winder handle (rare as rocking-horse @#%$ we're told), and original headlining. A marvellous and worthy project!