For Sale: 1959 Facel Vega HK500 in Saint Louis, Missouri

Even among the staunchest motoring enthusiasts, Jean Daninos may not be a household name, but his relative anonymity in today's world does not make him any less of an intriguing character. A powerful industrialist in post-World War II France, his notoriety came as much from his business acumen as his playboy lifestyle. He founded 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, earning Daninos numerous official accolades after the war. 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 which served his future endeavors well.
Daninos' success afforded him the access to stylish luxury automobiles, leading to a coachbuilding division begin added to Facel's increasingly diverse operations. He secured contracts to produce car bodies for Panhard and Simca, and from 1951 through 1954, Facel built the coachwork for the very pretty Ford Comete, and the firm later partnered with Pininfarina to construct a series of bodies for the Bentley Mk VI, paving the way for an expansion into the luxury car business.
Aiming to return France to the forefront of the prestige car market, Facel became a full-fledged automobile manufacturer in 1954. With its first car, the Facel Vega, Daninos offered a distinctly French, lavishly appointed GT car, with impressive performance thanks to potent Chrysler V8 engines. With Delahaye and Delage out of business and Talbot-Lago all but finished, Facel Vega was France's only prestige car. Its style, sophistication and exclusivity made it irresistible to A-listers of the time and the impressive roster of prominent Facel-Vega owners includes Pablo Picasso, Christian Dior, Frank Sinatra, Tony Curtiss, and Ringo Starr. Even racing drivers like Maurice Trintignant and Sir Stirling Moss owned Facels, the latter recalling how he loved to drive his Facel Vega between continental racing events rather than fly. High praise, indeed, for France's last proper Grand Tourisme.
Chassis HK S2 is a 1959 HK 500 Coupe, which has been beautifully restored to a standard rarely seen in the world of Facel Vegas. Published registry information shows this car is production number 489, leaving the works in European specifications and delivered via the official German Importer, Auto Becker. It was originally finished in metallic silver with green upholstery and equipped with a Chrysler 383 Wedge V8 backed by an automatic gearbox and fitted with stylish Borrani Bi-Metal knock-off wheels and dual antennas.
Following its early life in Europe, HK S2 eventually found its way 'Stateside, spending time in the care of Mr. B. Dotson of Virginia. After the previous owner acquired it, they entrusted a specialist in Chicago to perform a comprehensive, bare-metal, bare-shell restoration, finished to a level we rarely see even on the best Facel Vegas. Now finished smartly in a rich deep blue over red upholstery, with exquisitely refinished stainless steel brightwork and factory Borrani bi-metal wheels, it is a breathtaking example of the great Franco-American hybrid.
Mid-century luxury is in full-effect in the four-place cabin via the gorgeous leather, carpets, broadcloth, and hand painted woodgrain trim, which are all finished to concours-quality standards. Details include power windows and a Smiths radio, and most instruments are restored, though the speedometer face appears original, housing an odometer displaying approximately 22,000 miles.
Under the hood sits the robust and powerful Chrysler 383 cubic-inch Wedge V8, bearing the appropriate TY7-20072 engine number. It is properly adorned with black wrinkle-finish valve covers and air cleaner for the single 4-barrel carburetor. The car has seen limited use since its restoration, and the engine compartment and undercarriage remain in superb order. Other touches include a complete and restored factory tool kit, jack, and special knock-off tool in the fully restored boot.
The Facel-Vega ranks proudly with the finest European Grand Tourers of the 50s, and this extraordinary HK500 is among the very best Facel-Vegas we have had the pleasure to offer. Accompanied by $140,000 in receipts, it has been gently used since its restoration and presents an outstanding opportunity to acquire a Facel HK500 to enjoy in a variety of venues - from display at leading concours to prestigious tours and driving events.

Offers welcome and trades considered.