1957 Facel Vega HK500

HK C2roadFrance

Engine: 5.9L (361 cu. in.) OHV V8, ~360 bhp

The Facel Vega HK500, chassis HK C2 (production number 72), is a high-performance French grand tourer powered by a 360 bhp Chrysler Typhoon V-8 and fitted with TorqueFlite automatic transmission. Originally ordered directly from the factory by American industrialist William Carr, son-in-law of Walter P. Chrysler, this example remained in the United States until the 1980s before returning to Europe, where it was subsequently fully restored. The HK500 was among the fastest cars of its era and attracted an ownership roster spanning film stars, musicians, and royalty.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Estimate €130,000 – €160,000
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
Date unknownFactory delivery
William Carr
partial documentation
American industrialist and son-in-law of Walter P. Chrysler; ordered this car directly from the factory and went on to acquire several more Facel Vega models. Car was kept in the United States during his ownership.
Date unknown
US-based owner or owners
none documentation
Vehicle remained on American soil through to the 1980s; specific custodians during this interval are not identified in the catalogue.
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
European owner
partial documentation
Car was repatriated to Europe during the 1980s and remained without restoration for a prolonged period before this owner commissioned a full return to original specification, although body and interior colours were changed.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

—
Restoration
Comprehensive restoration to factory-correct mechanical and structural condition, carried out under European ownership; the body colour and interior trim were changed from the original Sand and beige combination.
The car had remained unrestored for an extended period prior to this work being commissioned.

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