What's the history of the Facel Vega brand and how many HK500 models were produced?

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The Facel Vega brand has a fascinating history! Founded by Jean Daninos in 1954, Facel Vega was France's answer to the luxury GT market after World War II. Daninos, who had previously worked with Citroën and established FACEL (Forges et Ateliers de Construction d'Eure-et-Loir) in 1938 as a metalworking company, decided to create the ultimate French luxury automobile.

The company became known for its beautiful, hand-built grand tourers that combined French styling with American power - specifically Chrysler V8 engines. These cars were the choice of celebrities and racing drivers alike, with owners including Pablo Picasso, Frank Sinatra, Tony Curtis, and even Stirling Moss.

As for the HK500 specifically, this model was produced from 1958 to 1961 as the ultimate evolution of the Facel Vega line. It featured a more powerful Chrysler Typhoon V8 engine producing over 360 horsepower, making it capable of reaching 147 mph - truly impressive for the era. The HK500 was built in limited numbers, with production totaling just 489 units during its three-year run.

The HK500 was eventually replaced by the Facel Vega II in 1962, but by 1964, the entire company had folded due to financial difficulties, ending France's last great luxury car manufacturer. Today, these rare Franco-American hybrids are highly sought after by collectors for their unique blend of European elegance and American reliability.

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Lot 8068: 1959 Facel Vega HK500

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Lot 8068: 1959 Facel Vega HK500

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