Lot 204: 1963 Facel Vega HK500

During its 10 year history as a motor car manufacturer, Facel Vega earned a reputation for producing beautifully built, elegant and expensive high performance coupés. They were generally large cars, and by using large capacity Chrysler V8 engines a high level of performance became a hallmark of the Facel Vega marque. The most powerful engine options became available in 1959 in the form of the HK500 with either 5.9 or 6.3 litre variants of the Chrysler hemi-headed V8; with either 335 or 360bhp on hand, maximum speed of the 3,8851b HK500 was between 130 and 145mph with 0-60mph reached in around 8.5 seconds. Indeed, according to French manufacturer, the HK500 outperformed the Ferrari 250 GT, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL and the Aston Martin DB4 as regards zero to 60mph acceleration, speed over a standing start kilometre distance and fuel economy. It was also claimed to be the fastest car of its genre in production for a four year period.The considerable V8 power, hand-built quality and exclusivity of Facel Vega models ensured their popularity. Notable celebrity owners included Ava Gardner (who had three), Stirling Moss, Maurice Trintignant and Rob Walker - the latter trio appreciative of their ability to cover the distances between the race circuits of Europe at high speeds and in comfort and safety - Pablo Picasso, Joan Fontaine, Ringo Starr and Tony Curtis to name a few; one of the less fortunate was French writer Albert Camus, who was killed at the wheel of a Facel Vega. Total production of the HK500 between 1959 and 1963 amounted to just 489 cars.Having been the subject of a complete restoration, this superb HK500 is described by the vendor as being in absolutely stunning condition. Strikingly presented in grey with red leather interior, and fitted with the rare and highly desirable manual gearbox, this exotic French supercar is supplied with American registration documents and all EU taxes paid.Cette Facel Vega de 1963 a été entirement restaurée de date récente. Elle est de couleur gris, avec sellerie rouge et la boite des vitesses pont-a-mousson. Documents de circulation des Etats-Unis et son EEG payée.