Jean Daninos’s Facel Métallon 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!