1959 Facel Vega HK500
Highlights
- Originally delivered to the UK, as confirmed by the Facel Vega register
- Early 1959 right-hand drive 5.8L HK500
- Comprehensive professional restoration
- Complete project with spare engine and other parts
- One of the first batch of cars out of only 489 built
- Often referred to as one of the most beautiful and desirable GTs of the 1950s
- Rare opportunity for the right collector
Saleroom Notice
According to the vendor, this car comes with a clear title, as ruled by a Dutch court of law. Any rumoured previous claims to the title are unfounded and invalid. The engine, although to original specification, is NOT original to this specific 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 originally delivered to the UK and is known to the Facel Vega register. It has relatively recently been restored in the Philippines, with the work covering the body and chassis as shown in the photographs. The engine and gearbox that were fitted to the car 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
- Sent to the Phillipines in recent years for full restoration
- Purchased by the seller from Maersk Shipping due to previous owner’s non-payment of shipping 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 an original specification 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 car 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 an 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.
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✓ 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.
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✓ 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]
Vehicle specification
- Year 1959
- Make Facel Vega
- Model HK 500
- Colour White
- Odometer 61,558 Miles
- Engine size 5800
Listing Details
- Seller type Trade
- Location International
- Country Netherlands
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