Description
The Facel Vega HK500 equipped with the 5.9-liter Chrysler V8 producing 360 horsepower represents the most potent version of this celebrated grand tourer. Introduced in 1958 and built through to 1961, the HK500 was the culmination of Facel Vega’s ambitious efforts to create a French luxury car that could match or exceed the performance and elegance of contemporaries from Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Bentley.
This version of the HK500 was fitted with Chrysler’s 5.9-liter (361 cubic inch) “Typhoon” V8, tuned to deliver up to 360 horsepower in its most powerful configuration. This pushed the car into true high-performance territory for the era. With the four-speed Pont-à-Mousson manual gearbox, it could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 7 seconds and achieve a top speed of around 230 km/h (143 mph), making it one of the fastest production cars of its time. An automatic Torqueflite transmission was also available for those who prioritized effortless cruising over manual control.
Stylistically, the HK500 maintained the elegant, angular bodywork that had become Facel Vega’s signature. The long hood, pronounced waistline, and subtly tapered rear gave the car a dignified, yet aggressive profile. The design featured quad headlamps and a bold, upright grille that emphasized its commanding presence on the road. Chrome accents and optional wire wheels enhanced the luxury appeal without being ostentatious.
Inside, the HK500 delivered high levels of craftsmanship and comfort. Each cabin was richly appointed with hand-stitched leather, thick carpeting, and a dashboard designed to mimic turned aluminum—though painted steel was used instead. A full array of Jaeger instruments, aviation-inspired toggle switches, and wood or painted accents gave the interior a distinctive and stylish look. Power windows, air conditioning, and electric antenna were available as options, underlining the car’s modernity and luxury focus.
The chassis featured independent front suspension, a live rear axle, and—on later models—standard four-wheel disc brakes. Power steering and other refinements improved usability for daily driving or long-distance travel, consistent with Facel Vega’s positioning of the HK500 as a true gran turismo vehicle rather than a stripped-down sports car.
Production of the HK500 totaled approximately 490 units for the 5.9-liter versions, though exact figures for the 360-horsepower specification are uncertain due to the factory’s flexibility and the bespoke nature of its builds. Still, the high-output variant remains one of the most desirable.
The 5.9/360 HP HK500 variant represents Facel Vega at its most ambitious: a grand tourer with bold styling, impeccable luxury, and raw performance to rival the best in the world. It remains a treasured piece of automotive history and a rare example of successful French-American engineering collaboration in the postwar period.