Vehicle Description
Jean Daninos is of the more intriguing characters in automotive
history. A powerful industrialist of the post-WWII era, he is
celebrated for his business acumen as much as his playboy
lifestyle. He founded his business, FACEL (Forges et Ateliers de
Construction d'Eure-et-Loir) in 1938, which he grew into a leader
in the forging, stamping, and welding of alloys and stainless
steel. The company was a significant contributor to the French
aviation industry, which earned him numerous official accolades
after the war. Before founding Facel, Daninos began his career in
the automobile business, training at the right hand of Andre
Citroen, where he helped design the revolutionary Citroen Traction
Avant, an experience that would serve him well in the future. In
the 1940s and 1950s, Facel diversified into consumer products such
as stainless steel furniture, while remaining active in aviation.
Jean Daninos had a penchant for stylish luxury automobiles, a
passion which led him to add a coachbuilding division to Facel's
increasingly varied operations. Through his connections in the
automotive world, he secured contracts to produce car bodies for
Panhard and Simca, and from 1951 through 1954; he provided the
coachwork for the very pretty Ford Comete. Later, Facel partnered
with Pininfarina to construct a series of ten bodies for the
Bentley Mk VI, paving the way for an expansion into the luxury car
market. In 1954, Daninos expanded the coachbuilding operation into
a full-fledged automobile manufacturer. With the Facel Vega FV,
FVS, and HK500, Daninos created a distinctly French GT car with
lavish trimmings and sophisticated style, powered by increasingly
potent Chrysler V8 engines. With Delahaye and Delage out of
business and Talbot-Lago on the brink, it left the Facel Vega as
France's only prestige car, further enhancing the exclusive image.
The list of prominent Facel-Vega owners is impressive, including
Pablo Picasso, Christian Dior, Frank Sinatra, Tony Curtiss, and
Ringo Starr. Even racing drivers like Maurice Trintignant and
Stirling Moss owned Facels, the latter preferring to drive his
Facel between continental racing events. We are pleased to offer
this 1958 Facel Vega HK500, chassis number HK-A6. This
early-production example is just the sixth HK500 produced, and it
has a fascinating history from new. Among the marque's many
enthusiasts, one iconic photograph captures the elegance,
sophistication, and glamour of the Facel Vega. The image of Ava
Gardner, casually walking away from this particular HK500 with
actor Tony Franciosa in hot pursuit of her, has long been
associated with Facel. For many years it was assumed that the car
in that photograph was hers - chassis HK-Z1. More recently, a group
of marque enthusiasts soon discovered that the Facel from that
iconic photo is this HK-A6, a much earlier example than Gardner's.
The production records compiled by marque expert Hans Ruhe show A6
left the works with a "TT" registration, used in France for
temporary tourist/export cars. Rather than going through a
distributor, the factory delivered A6 directly to the Hotel
Excelsior in Rome, Italy, where then 30-year-old actor Anthony
Franciosa was on set with Ms. Gardner filmingThe Naked Maja(1958).
Comparing photos from the same series against production records,
experts determined the car was indeed Franciosa's. It was delivered
in dove gray over a black interior and equipped with Rudge
knock-off wire wheels, with options including an automatic
transmission, power steering, and a Radiomobile radio. The HK500
found its way to the USA first in California, presumably with
Franciosa, then later in Oregon where it spent much of its life. It
survived the years as a remarkably well-kept and original car with
some restoration work done as needed. Hyman Ltd acquired HK A6 in
2011, noting that it retained its original Chrysler 383 c.i. Wedge
V8 engine and original black leather interior. Following its sale
to a European collector, HK-A6 received a thorough, four-year
restoration in France by marque specialists Atelier Tisserand
Restauration. The owner chose a striking shade of red for the body
and restored the opulent leather interior in its original shade of
black with burl woodgrain-finish accents. Following its restoration
in 2014, the owner used the car around Europe for several years,
and in 2018 it joined a private collection in the United States. It
is in excellent condition, with attractive, glossy paintwork and
high finish quality. Given Facel's other business interests, it
comes as no surprise that much of the brightwork is stainless steel
rather than chrome. On this car, it is in very good order, showing
some minor polish marks consistent with care and the age of the
restoration. It rides on double-laced chrome wire wheels with Facel
knock-offs and black wall Pirelli radials. As with any Facel Vega,
the interior is lavishly appointed, this example featuring gorgeous
black leather, wool carpets, and intricate woodgrain finishing. The
upholstery remains taut, and lovely details abound, including the
factory deep-dish steering wheel, quilted headlining, period-look
modern radio, electric windows, and correct Jaeger instruments. It
is indeed a wonderful place to spend an afternoon of effortless
motoring. The engine bay is highly detailed, with high-quality
finishing found throughout. The Chrysler Wedge V8 is the original
numbers-matching unit per the available production records and is
backed by a Torqueflite automatic transmission as equipped when
new. Discreet yet useful updates include an updated electric power
steering system, and a disc brake conversion, specifically
engineered for Facel cars by Facel specialist Hans Ruhe in the
Netherlands. While in Europe, HK A6 participated in numerous
classic car events, including the prestigious Zoute Grand Prix in
Belgium, and it remains fabulously well-sorted for enjoyment in a
host of motoring events around the world. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6684-1958-facel-vega-hk500-coupe/