To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The
Elkhart Collection event, 23 - 24 October 2020.
Estimate:
$120,000 - $150,000
- One of the finest grand tourers of its era
- Well-preserved restoration; refinished in very attractive
colors
- Chrysler 383 V-8 and TorqueFlite transmission
- Vintage Air climate control for year-round comfort
Jean Daninos's Facel Metallon originally manufactured kitchen
cabinets and sinks, then aero engines during World War II, and
finally coachbuilt bodies for several French chassis. In 1954
Daninos developed his own complete car with a Chrysler V-8 on a
tubular chassis frame with box-section cross-members, coil-spring
independent front suspension, live rear axle, and steel hardtop
coupe bodywork, sumptuously appointed to rival Rolls-Royce.
Offering good handling, outstanding performance, and cosseting
comfort, the Facel Vega became popular with celebrities of the late
1950s and early 1960s. Tom McCahill of Mechanix Illustrated dubbed
the HK500, with its 360 bhp, "sexier than the Place Pigalle and
throatier than a Russian basso."
The HK500 offered here formerly resided in Texas for many years and
still wears a Lone Star State registration sticker on its
windshield. It was fully restored by a previous owner, and the
restoration remains well-preserved today, with 29,840 miles
recorded on the odometer and all finishes still in excellent
condition. The Facel Vega was subsequently refinished in the
stunning graphite grey when it was acquired by the Elkhart
Collection. Under the hood is very clean, with the chassis showing
only minor signs of careful road use. The interior is trimmed in
attractive red leather and features exquisite burled walnut trim,
as well as Vintage Air climate control, expertly installed for
year-round comfort of the passengers.
This would be a lovely HK500 for extended road touring-perhaps for
a vintage rally, where the owner could conveniently carry their own
luggage and enjoy armchair-like comfort while running at ferocious
Hemi-powered speeds!To view this car and others currently consigned
to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/el20.
