Facel Vega

[dinkel]

http://www.classicargarage.com/nederlands/garages/amicale/carpages/2005/facel-hk500-detail.htm

Anyone driven one? How's it like?

[williamp]

dinkel said:

www.classicargarage.com/nederlands/garages/amicale/carpages/2005/facel-hk500-detail.htm Anyone driven one? How's it like?

I know someone who has a few. Very rare machines, french hand built with Us V8 engines. Moss famously had one in the early 60s, as it was (then) the fastest car ou could buy. The Excellence had rear openign doors with no B-post, and was famous for the frame twisting and not allowing the occupants in/out. Famously, De Galle was trapped in one, once.

As for all of them, they all rust, but are beautiful cars. I do not know of a Uk based specialist. Good luck!

[aeropilot]

I would imagine parts could be a bit of problem, and a bad one could be a huge money pit, although the Chrysler engines and transmission (if auto) will be OK, parts wise, from specialists in the UK and USA.

They were luxurious GT's, with sumptous interiors, but they were very heavy. Even so handled quite well for it's day.

Depends what year it is as to what engine is fiited. The earlier HK500's had the 352ci Chrysler Hemi and the later ones had the less complicated 383ci Chrysler 'wedge' engine.

[dinkel]

Thanx for the info. I'm not planning to buy one . . . I'm looking for someone with such a delightfull vehicle. Or at least some experience with one.

a wonderfull car indeed

[vixen1700]

I contacted the chairman of the owners' club and got one for our wedding back in 1998. Not the best example in the world, but in black it did look the part.

As far as specialists go, Nigel Cooper used to restore them in London, but not too sure if he just works on Mercs these days.

Saw an immaculate black HK500 drive through Epping Forest a couple of months ago, couldn't believe my excitement of seeing one driving.

Also before getting married, I was driving through a Cambridge villiage in the Vixen and caught sight of one in a pub car-park, turned round to get out and have a look, and it turned out there were 12 of them in the car-park, HK500s, Excellences, and Facel IIIs. A rally for the French/British owners' clubs.

I've loved them since seeing an HK500 in a classic car mag for sale in 1977 for £1250!

[jq74]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dl

[bacchus]

[url]www.classicdriver.com/fr/find/4100_results.asp?bsubmit=true&lmanufacturer=10218&lCarID=1715578[/url]

note the number plate!!! didn't know that it was possible in Belgium?...

[Duke Thrust]

I've got an odd recollection that the walnut dash isn't real, it's actually painstakingly painted steel.

Could be wrong though.....

[Wacky Racer]

Beatles drummer Ringo Starr used to own one in the sixties............

[Church of Noise]

Duke Thrust said:

I've got an odd recollection that the walnut dash isn't real, it's actually painstakingly painted steel. Could be wrong though.....

I think you're right.

[dinkel]

Wonderfull diggin' this up . . .

[vesuvius996]

There is one in Limehouse, London which is just GORGEOUS. Black with wire wheels. Anyone here?

[VAG_LUVER]

Never see one in Uk - but from pics and seeing one abroad they are Fantastic - really imposing.

Up there with Citroen SM's.