Facel Vega HK-500, 1960 | For sale

Facel Vega HK-500 (HK1 BL4), year 1960. Colour silver metallic combined with a blue leather interior and blue carpet. This beautiful, rare, and very exclusive Facel Vega HK-500 has been completely restored by Amicale Facel Holland (AFH) and meticulously finished by Facel Vega expert and AFH founder Hans Ruhé. No expense has been spared to achieve perfection in every detail and build a unique HK-500 with special upgrades developed by AFH. This Facel Vega HK-500 is in immaculate top condition! Below you will find all information about the history and the restoration, including a photo report of the restoration!

This Facel Vega is for sale at Amicale Facel Holland.
Contact Mr. Jaap van Oenen via info@amicalefacel.nl or by phone: +31 529 481 385.
Price: On request.

History
This Facel Vega HK-500 was built in March 1960. The car was ordered directly from the factory by the French steel group USINOR. In 1964 the car was exchanged by USINOR for a Facel II, the HK-500 had then driven approximately 40,000 KM. The second owner (a Dutchman) bought the car from the FACEL factory in 1965 and kept the car until May 1969. In those four years, the second owner happily drove the car 230,000 km!

The HK-500 was bought and sold by various dealers in the period 1969 - 1975. In 1978, Hans Ruhé found the HK-500 as a no longer running project in a meadow near Rotterdam and took it over from the then owner. Due to a lack of time, the HK-500 was sold again after which it was passed from hand to hand again. In 1997, Hans Ruhé again purchased the HK-500. Unfortunately, the bodywork now appeared to have been sawn into pieces. After approximately two decades in storage, all parts of the HK-500 were prepared for a thorough reconstruction and restoration.

Restoration
The restoration of the sheet metal was completed by Amicale Facel Holland in January 2021. Subsequently, the bodywork received a KTL coating, and the car was repainted in the original colour. After restoration and rebuilding of the chassis with new parts, the body was mounted back on the chassis. The original windows (and a new windshield) have been fitted with new rubbers and all restored trim parts were installed. A photo report of the restoration up to this stage can be viewed HERE.

Restoration details

• Engine:
  The original engine (383 Wedge V8) could no longer be saved due to serious internal rust. The unit was replaced by a Chrysler 413 cui (6.7 L) 'Wedge' V8 engine, as also used in Facel IIs with a manually operated gearbox. This engine has been completely overhauled, with all moving parts renewed.
• Carburettors:
  The 413 Engine is equipped with two ‘four barrel’ Carter AFB Carburettors with automatic choke, as also used in Facel IIs fitted with a manually operated gearbox. The carburettors have been completely overhauled.
• Electricity:
  The original DC dynamo has been replaced by an alternating current (AC) alternator (as also used on the Facel II). An Electronic ignition system was fitted, as was an electric fuel pump. The car was fitted with a completely new wiring loom.
• Cooling:
  New radiator and “Flow Kooler” water pump fitted. The cooling was upgraded with twin electric cooling fans. Both units controlled by the air conditioning system and automatically (with “Revotec” unit). Manual override switch also fitted.
• Gearbox:
  4-speed automatic (4th gear = overdrive) with lock-up torque converter and with “P” position. Facel II style selector on the centre console.
• Final drive:
  Completely overhauled live axle equipped with Limited Slip differential, 3.31 ratio
• Exhaust system:
  Completely in stainless steel. (with flexible spacers)
• Brake system:
  AFH upgrade with Girling brake callipers and ventilated front brake discs*. New brake booster fitted (*25% more braking power than with the original Dunlop disc brakes)
• Controls:
  The original system without power steering has been supplemented with adjustable electric power steering (mounted under the dashboard)
• Standard equipment:
  The car has electric window controls (completely new AFH upgrade system)
• Interior:
  The leather and carpet of the interior have been completely renewed in the original blue colour. The roof lining is executed in grey wool (as original). The steel dashboard has been “re-wooded” and finished with 11 layers of clear lacquer.

Further Upgrades/options

• “Vintage Air” combined air conditioning and heating system fitted (instead of the original heating)
• New stainless steel gas tank installed
• Additional oil temperature gauge fitted in the centre panel. The reading is switchable for the temperature of the engine oil OR the gearbox oil
• 2 exterior mirrors
• H-4 halogen headlights
• ‘Hazard Warning’ flashing light installation
• 3-point automatic seat belts on the front seats
• Blaupunkt Frankfurt Radio with automatic Antenna

This Facel Vega HK-500 is a top specimen. Restored by Amicale Facel Holland and meticulously completed by AFH founder Hans Ruhé. A unique Facel Vega HK-500 of which no second exists. An excellent investment for the collector and at the same time a tremendously impressive driver's car for the enthusiast.

_{AFH 2404}