In its relatively short life, the French firm of Facel manufactured a small series of hand-built automobiles still considered to be among the era’s finest, fastest, and most expensive. While initially founded as an aircraft material manufacturer, Forges et Ateliers de Construction d’Eure et de Loire SA, or Facel, later diversified into making car bodies for Panhard, Simca, and the stylish Ford Comete.

The firm transitioned to building its own automobiles in 1954 with the introduction of the Vega, a handsome and luxuriously appointed four-seater powered by a DeSoto “Hemi” V8 before unveiling the refined HK500 in 1958. Powered by a 5.9-liter Chrysler “Hemi” V8 engine mated to a three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission, the HK500 was one of the world’s fastest cars in its day and capable of sustained cruising well north of 100 mph.

Beyond its performance, the HK500 was simply a beautiful car, a true hardtop coupe that exudes power and speed even when standing still. Incredible details abound, such as the taillights partially recessed—or “Frenched,” in particularly fitting American hotrod parlance—into the rear fins. The exhaust outlets are similarly worked into the rear bumper. There was truly nothing else quite like it on the road, then or now.

The HK500 offered here is finished in a handsome livery of dark blue over tan leather upholstery. The cabin features numerous period luxuries including power windows, burled wood dash, pushbutton Torqueflite transmission, and quilted tan cloth headliner. Knock-off steel wheels at each corner give this chassis a particularly purposeful stance, and a tool kit is, as one would expect for a touring automobile, found in the trunk.

With signature French flair and muscular American running gear, the Facel Vega HK500 was designed to rival the best of the era’s grand tourers, a task in which it continues to succeed today. Rare in its time and seldom seen on this side of the Atlantic, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire a distinguished grande routière.