Facel-Vega HK500 Manual

Facel Vega HK500 Manual 1960 LHD How inspiring to look at this Facel Vega and realise that this was the dream come true for Mr. Jean Daninos, the founder of the prestigeous Facel Vega make. Mr. Daninos believed that in the 50ies also, France needed to carry on with the tradition of its prewar great marks such as Bugatti, Delahaye, Delage and Talbot-Lago, and develop an exclusive, fast, comfortable, beautiful and luxurious automobile. In collaboration with his in house designer, Mr. Jacques Brasseur, Daninos created a robust but largely conventional chassis with independent front suspension and a live rear axle. To it was welded Brasseur's masterpiece, a low, smooth-sided 2+2 body offering excellent all round panoramic vision. The cabin offered cosy comfort and a remarkable dashboard with somptuous hand painted wood veneer decoration. To power this beautiful vehicle, Facel obtained big, long legged V-8 engines from Chrysler in America. In this HK500 we find the most powerful 350 HP 6.3 litre V8 fed by 2 Carter 4-barrel carbs which is coupled to the sought after Pont-a-Mousson 4-speed manual gearbox (most HK500 were automatic), enabling this Facel Vega to reach 235 Km/h and accelerate from 0 to 60 Miles/h in 8.5 seconds.  Chassis number BU2 was sold new in France and belonged for 20 years to the writer Jean Renald. The original color was black with black leather interior. In the 80ies this HK500 arrived into the hands of an enthusiast Facel Vega club member, who had his Facel Vega completely restored by ACP in Paris. This was also the moment when the color was changed into the attractive combination of very dark maroon Aubergine with beige leather interior. The simple fact that 25 years later this HK500 is still a stunning beauty, proves how well the restoration was performed. More than 10 years ago this HK500 arrived in our classic car stable. My specialist classic car workshop took care of the maintainance of this beautiful French top class automobile for her Belgian owner. Thereby allowing me to drive this Facel Vega on a regular basis. An opportunity I enjoy each time very much. Comfort and exclusivity combined with lots of panache and a great sound. Chrome Dunlop wire wheels were fitted, but the original central locking disc wheels are still available. You must have noticed my description of this Facel Vega HK500 is crammed with superlatives. Believe me, this rare automobile (only 489 examples were produced) deserves them all!