Highlights

Comprehensive professional restored
Complete project with spare engine and other parts
One of the final cars of only 489 built
One of the most beautiful and desirable GTs of the 1950s
Rare opportunity for the right collector
Early 1959 5.8L RHD HK500

The Appeal

There are post-war GTs and then there is the Facel Vega. It is perhaps no great surprise that the firm didn’t survive, such was its unerring commitment to designing and building the very best. These were expensive cars, but deservedly so.

The later HK500 updated the earlier FVS’ Jean Daninos style. That flare, mixed with the potent Chrysler V8, delivered a proper executive express suitable for Europe’s emerging high speed motorway network.

Good as the HK500 was, just 489 were built. Early cars such as this one featured the 5.8L Chrysler V8, later cars got the 6.3L motor, both good for well over 300bhp.

HK500s are the cream of the classic GT fraternity. The opportunity to acquire a project, that the buyer can tailor to their exact requirements, comes along rarely. Here is one. This early 1959 RHD HK500 was restored in the Philipines, the work covering the body and chassis as shown in the photographs. The original engine and gearbox have not been restored but are supplied with the car, together with parts to complete and a spare Chrysler V8 engine.

The car has Dutch importation documents and is the legal property of the seller. The finished car will, we are sure, be magnificent, and we envy the buyer.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in 1959
We are told this car was one of the early 5.8L HK500 cars
Originally a UK RHD car
Vendor reports four UK keepers between 1959 and 1973
Original UK registration documentation supplied with car
Supplied to the Phillipines in recent years for full restoration
Purchased by the seller from Maersk Shipping due to previous owner’s non-payment of invoices
Maersk acquired legal right to sell vehicle to seller who is correctly, legally registered owner
Dutch importation paperwork in order and duties paid
Supplied with original engine and parts to repair and complete
Separate Chrysler engine in red as shown in photos also included
Engines and car have been checked by seller’s workshop prior to sale

The Condition

Later HK500 with professionally restored bodywork and chassis
Body is finished in primer with some elements painted in white as shown
Some exterior fittings have been attached including glass, lights and chromework
Car sits on refreshed suspension with painted wire wheels and vintage tyres
The condition is clear from the photographs with some points for buyer to note and check
The interior, gearbox and engine are not fitted as shown

This car was professionally restored in the Phillipines across the bodywork and chassis. It is currently finished in primer with some panels finished in white as shown. It will require further work and buyers should check the photographs carefully to assure themselves of the condition and future work required.

It has been refitted with exterior chromework, glass and lights and some of the electrics remain in place.

The Mechanics

Factory built with 5.8L Chrysler V8 engine
5.8L engine and gearbox have not been refurbished but are supplied with car
Engine inspected by seller’s classic workshop and found to need pistons, conrods and camshafts
These have been sourced and are supplied with the car but not fitted
Separate ‘old stock’ Chrysler V8 supplied with ar which is shown in photographs
Some history for the car is provided including a UK registration document
We are advised that this is a 1959 built car
Buyers should anticipate some mechanical refurbishment as shown in photographs

The heart of the HK500 was a 340bhp Chrysler V8. Early 1959 cars like this one assumed the 5.8L displacement version from the earlier FVS. This was changed during that year to the later 6.3L V8. This car present the choice of restoring it to the original 5.8L engine or upgrading to the later 6.3L engine that is supplied with the car.

This car is supplied but not fitted with its original 5.8L Chrysler V8 and gearbox. These will requirement refurbishment we are told but are supplied with replacement pistons, conrods and camshafts that the seller sourced from the USA. He has also acquired a second Chrysler 6.3L V8 - painted red in the photographs - that is included in the sale.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]