1959 Facel Vega HK500

HK J2roadFrance

Engine: 6.3L Chrysler V8

A 1959 Facel Vega HK500, one of only 190 built that year, powered by a 6.3-litre Chrysler V8 with standard front disc brakes. After roughly 35 years in storage, the car was comprehensively restored by marque specialists in Chicago, with engine and transmission rebuilt by a noted Chrysler expert and cosmetic work by a specialist restorer. Subsequent ownership brought further refinement including brake, cooling, and electrical upgrades. The car now shows approximately 42,000 miles.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$126,500
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
1959 →Factory delivery
First owner (identity unknown)
partial documentation
One of two initial caretakers who collectively held the car for approximately 48 years from new; individual tenure boundaries between the two are not specified.
2007 → 2013Acquisition unknown
Third owner (identity unknown)
partial documentation
Commissioned a comprehensive restoration involving several marque specialists, including a cosmetic refurbishment and full engine and transmission rebuild.
2013 →Acquisition unknown
Ed Harley
partial documentation
Based in Charleston, South Carolina; engaged local specialists and marque expert Ken Brody to refine and mechanically upgrade the vehicle.
→ 2018Acquisition unknown
Ken Brody
partial documentation
Facel Vega specialist who acquired the car from Harley and subsequently sold it to the consignor in early 2018.
2018 →Private sale
Current consignor
partial documentation
Purchased from Ken Brody in early 2018 and has driven the car sparingly while keeping it in well-maintained condition.
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
Second owner (identity unknown)
partial documentation
Shared the first 48-year custodial span with the first owner; the car was reportedly placed in storage for approximately 35 years during this period.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

—Restoration
WGM Restorations
Comprehensive restoration carried out after the car's retrieval from extended storage, overseen by marque enthusiast Larry Gesiakowski of WGM Restorations. Cosmetic work was handled by Dave Shutten, while George Riehl of the Chrysler 300 Club rebuilt the engine and transmission. Specialised Facel parts were sourced with assistance from Dutch expert Hans Ruhé.
Work took place between 2007 and 2013 under the third owner's tenure.
—
Bodywork
A local Charleston business was engaged to refine the car's cosmetic presentation to a higher standard following its acquisition by Ed Harley.
Carried out during Ed Harley's ownership, circa 2013–2018.
—Mechanical
Ken Brody
Marque specialist Ken Brody undertook a series of sympathetic mechanical improvements, including fitment of a dual-circuit master cylinder, vacuum-assisted front disc brakes, cast-iron rear drums, and bespoke wire wheels, along with updates to the cooling and electrical systems.
Commissioned by Ed Harley during his period of ownership prior to early 2018.

Are you the owner of this car?

This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.