Facel Vega HK500 V8 in for service - Behind the Scenes - Cotswold Classic Car Restoration

A rare Facel Vega HK500 comes in for a service at Cotswold Classic Car Restorations. Just a simple misfire from a glorious V8.
www.cccrestorations.co.uk
It is so important to keep on top of servicing and maintenance. Just a short regular drive to prevent anything escalating and you can ensure your beloved classic is always ready for that perfect summers day.
#facelvega #classiccarrestoration #classiccars #facelvegahk500 #facel #classiccar #
A little detail about the Facel Vega HK500…
The Facel Vega HK500 was a luxury grand tourer produced by the French automaker Facel Vega from 1959 to 1961. It was the successor to the Facel Vega FV and was renowned for its elegant design, powerful performance, and luxurious features.
Exterior:
The HK500 boasted a classic and stylish design that exuded sophistication and elegance. It featured clean lines, a long and sleek body, and an unmistakable presence on the road. The front end showcased a prominent grille with vertical slats, flanked by dual headlights integrated into stylish bezels. The bodywork was made of steel, and the car had a coupe or convertible body style, both offering a distinct and timeless appearance.
Interior:
The interior of the HK500 was lavishly appointed, offering a high level of comfort and luxury. The cabin could accommodate four passengers, and the seats were upholstered in sumptuous leather, providing a plush and inviting environment. Wood veneer trim adorned the dashboard and door panels, adding a touch of refinement. The HK500 came equipped with various amenities, including power windows, air conditioning, a radio, and a heater, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
Performance:
Under the hood, the Facel Vega HK500 packed a powerful punch. It was powered by a Chrysler V8 engine, initially a 5.9-liter unit and later a 6.3-liter engine, producing impressive performance for its time. The engine was coupled with a choice of manual or automatic transmission, giving drivers flexibility in their driving preferences. The HK500 offered excellent acceleration and a top speed of around 140 mph (225 km/h), making it one of the fastest production cars of its era.
Legacy:
The Facel Vega HK500 was highly regarded for its combination of luxury, performance, and exclusivity. It appealed to affluent buyers who desired a unique and prestigious automobile. However, despite its success, the production of the HK500 was relatively limited, with only around 490 units built during its production run.
Today, the Facel Vega HK500 is considered a classic car, highly sought after by collectors and automotive enthusiasts. Its rarity, timeless design, and powerful performance contribute to its desirability, making it an iconic symbol of automotive luxury from the 1960s.

[@malbourne805]

The sound of air rushing in from spaces reminds me of my dad's Morris Marina in the late 70's/early 80's in the Caribbean.

[@martentrudeau6948]

It's a cool looking, handsome European style, early 60's, very unique. Chrysler were great engineers for engines and tranny's back in those days. It's truly a classic European car, so nice to see.

[@RogerAdshead]

Yep, I'm pretty sure the dash is painted metal. The leather looks awesome. It reminds me of a Jensen Interceptor in some ways...with the rear screen mounted at the front of the Facel!

[@danielomalley4394]

It is painted metal.

[@cotswoldclassiccarrestorations]

We will take a better look in a 'short' for you...

[@jochemb.1748]

When I was a young boy I saw my first Facel Vega parked in our street and I was very impressed by all the leather and the wood inside. Later it came like a shock to me, when I had to learn that there never has been any wood in a Facel Vega, only painted steel.😭😭😭

[@cruiser6260]

The 383 hemi is in this car and the interceptor.. mk 3 had 440

[@danielomalley4394]

@@cruiser6260 383 is nota Hemi!

[@Raceproved]

The only car left on my "bucket list".

[@jaywalker1233]

no Chrysler Turbine?

[@robertp.wainman4094]

What a beautiful windscreen design!

[@markcollins457]

It's wild to see that drive train in such a unique special car , when I was a child back in the early sixties that same drive line with the push button automatic was in my mother's Chrysler wagon we had that car as a daily driver in New Jersey for about 15 years. Thank you for the memories. That transmission could pull a trailer to the camp ground every holiday without missing a beat.

[@mjk45]

I was born in 1958 and this reminds me of growing up in Australia in the sixties riding with my uncle in his 6 cylinder 1962 S series Valiant with a push button 3 speed TorqueFlite auto and if my memory is correct it was 145 hp almost twice the hp of the sixes found in the Valiant's Ford and Holden competitors of the time.

[@chasevans7171]

Stunning car. I'd have to sort the broken looking windscreen wipers though.

[@1258-Eckhart]

And the steering squeak.

[@garethhanna9173]

Extremely cool car, and you get to drive around in the model that the French philosopher and novelist Albert Camus was killed in 1960 when it came off the road. Talk about going out in style.

[@jamescourt4703]

Since a small boy I've always wanted one of these. Great looks and that dog leg windscreen. Lovely motor.

[@Markycarandbikestuff]

Gorgeous old thing, always knew of these but first time i've seen a video of one (never seen one in the metal), very elegant and stylish but sounds like a muscle car, ideal.

[@bennyhannover9361]

This was the hottest engines that Chrysler could deliver, for automatic versions Facel Vega used engines that were also used for the 300 Letter Series or the De Soto adventurer or the Police High Speed versions those were able to do 235 kmh top speed in the manual shifted version with front disc brakes from 1960 on and 0to 60 miles in about 7.0 seconds the Facel 2 from 1962 to 1964 was even faster those had the 6.2 liter engine and also one with 6.5 liter for Ringo Starr, 0 to 60 5.5 seconds…?

[@tacfoley4443]

Yep. Looks like an Alvis, sounds like an Allis-Chalmers.......

[@teckelteckels2730]

What a beauty!

[@captaintoyota3171]

Man that sound reminds me of winter as a kid. The old v8 cars starting up with pedal revs trying to warm up. Man im not even that old but that sound takes me right back

[@stuartrigler1869]

That’s not actual walnut on the dash. That is hand PAINTED steel!

[@kag2306]

So what are trying to say Stu?

[@Gary7even]

Correct. I was about to post that.

[@deeznoots6241]

Yep all painted by one guy

[@alexmills6086]

I remember parking next to this car in a multistory in Winchester in Sep 22. Probably on its way to the Goodwood Revival.

[@ianashton1593]

Great looking car, sounds amazing. Never seen one in the flesh.

[@lorenzomagazzeni5425]

The Facel Vega... Top of the luxury car back then. It was tailor made for the buyer.

[@samwhitnell1370]

If the transmission buttons, N and P can also be used to start the engine (as in Bristol cars with Chrysler drivetrains), I recommend using a vacuum switch to disable the starter relay while the engine is running. If you find you need to crank the car for a long time after it's not been used, you can "T" in an electric fuel pump and wire it up to the other side of the vacuum switch, so that it runs until the engine starts - by then the mechanical fuel pump will be working.

[@Strike_Raid]

Good idea!

[@kubeckjay1137]

Before this, Facel Vega made a very small number (five ?) of this basically same model in a convertible with a straight windshield post (before following the industry trend to the “panoramic” windshield). I sat In one of these really rare FV’s in Paris several years ago!

[@cotatico]

Yes, they made about 30 of the early FV’s and FV1’s that have the standard A-pillar design and used the windshield from another car (Simca and French Ford). They only made 7 convertibles out of those early cars, so yes, they are very rare indeed. They also used the early Hemi engine from deSoto (S21, S23, S24) before the Chrysler poly engine shown here, as well as an available 4-speed manual gearbox.

[@kubeckjay1137]

@@cotatico Our Parisian friend said, about five of the straight “A” 1954 convertibles were made, so, you likely are correct!

[@MrRocketguitar]

I would love it. What an amazing car

[@knoxyish]

what a fantastic car !

[@jamesellsworth9673]

The videography is excellent! This is an auto that is meant to be enjoyed for styling and workmanship inside and out!

[@cotswoldclassiccarrestorations]

The owner certainly does, quick fix and he’ll be roaring off to Goodwood again 😊

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

The Facel Vega is still a fantastic looking car (from the front!) and from a country with an engine size taxation, it is a finger up, into somewhere! I do hope that someone manage to do a remake of the Brand, as also French Bugatti (VW) has so brilliantly managed to do?

[@johncalberg1573]

I think they had that automatic gearshift on a Bristol V as well

[@85waspnest]

My late boss used to have an 1959 HK500 in RHD, 4speed manual, 2 Carter quad downdraft carbs and wire wheels. It was a drab battleship grey when he bought it in about 1970, he had it repainted metallic gold which suited the car better. The dash is fake walnut paint on steel, very well done though.

[@peterhopkins7049]

I owned the same model with the French made Pont-a-Mouson manual gearbox and twin four barrel Carter carbs. My understanding of the demise of Facel was the huge number of warranty claims generated by the Facelia which demolished pistons due to incorrect configuration of the inlet manifold.

[@85waspnest]

@@peterhopkins7049 My understanding is the same. Their own 1600cc twin cam engine had too many reliability issues.

[@kennethjackson7574]

The time: about 30 years ago. The place: eastbound on a divided highway with 100+ feet between eastbound and westbound. On the westbound side I saw what I first thought was an older MB three-box sedan. But it didn’t have the chrome grill surround. I thought “poor old MB.” Then I noticed the hood scoops and again thought “What has someone done to that . . . wait a minute.” And while I couldn’t identify the model, I knew I had just seen a Facel Vega “in the wild.”

[@stefankarlsson8215]

Lovely video! I thought the dash was always painted, in these cars, to look like walnut/wood and a lot of work and car was put into this "Trompe l'oeil". But I might be wrong . . ?

[@ingvarhallstrom2306]

No you're not wrong, it's all aluminium painted trompe l'oeil to look like walnut. Many people that are not "in the know" mistakingly list that as cheap, though it was a very deliberate choice by founder Jean Daninos, as aluminium construction was their specialty and therefore a thing of company pride.

[@jaywalker1233]

@@ingvarhallstrom2306 in that case they missed a trick - a machined aluminium dash would have been uber cool

[@RebelsInc969]

That is beautiful 👍✌

[@nicksothep8472]

That steering mechanism looks sooo smooth, and the Chrysler "small block" sounds amazing. These cars are absolutely gorgeous in my opinion, particularly being French, famous for their odd design choices..

[@Gary7even]

Actually, that's a Chrysler big block. It's a 383, and depending on the year it could be a RB or B block. Edit: After checking, I found the FV only came with the B block 383. The RB 383 was used exclusively by Chrysler and was not sold to 3rd party manufacturers.

[@acptelford1307]

I’m afraid the steering on these was awful

[@alistairmcdonald2382]

What a load of fun 👍

[@demetridar506]

The Chrysler auto box was actually very efficient, up to 92 % efficiency on 3rd gear. Not as good as a stick, but who wants to deal with a clutch on a 6.3 or 7.2 V8? The benefit compared to modern autos is that they are super simple, and cheap to rebild.

[@bobmitchell8012]

Chrysler had a “Torque Flyte”auto Trans for many years with the Push Button Gear Selector.

[@kennethjackson7574]

My father once had a DeSoto station wagon with the huge fins (circa 1956, I think), the 392 early hemi and push button Torque Flyte. It could pass anything but a gas station! Heck of a “street sleeper,” too.

[@vailclewley5354]

Same gear selection on the Bristol 409 .

[@Colstah]

What is the setup with the steering? Not a steering column as such, by the looks of the steering wheel position in the dash...

[@1258-Eckhart]

Jags had burr walnut dashboards, on Facels it was always painted metal.

[@DianeWhite-z7d]

The push button transmission was a common Chrysler thing late 50's and early 60's. Was it 360 cid, not 360hp as stated. I say this as 5.9 litres = 360cid.

[@danpatterson8009]

The Chrysler 360 would have the distributor at the back and wasn't introduced until the early 1970s. Checking Wiki it says they went from Chrysler Hemis (which this is not) to the 383, which would have the distributor in front like this one does. 360 hp is possible but optimistic for a street tune. Definitely not running well in the video.

[@clyneheretic]

Never seen a push-button transmission?! 50s US cars all had them!

[@peterbrenc7669]

Had pushbutton on my 1964 Dodge A100

[@loetzcollector466]

I'm no expert but it's probably a Chrysler torqueflite transmission mated up to that V8 as well. I believe even Rolls-Royce used them in period.

[@loetzcollector466]

It sounds very good indeed. I had this same engine in my 1970 Chrysler 300

[@stuartrigler1869]

Not really. Push button automatics were mostly a Chrysler feature. Ford tried it with some Edsel models too.

[@stuartrigler1869]

@@loetzcollector466 Rolls Royce used GM Turbo Hydramatics.

[@callumtbjones]

Absolutely love this car

[@JF-em6hr]

Any shots with hood down?

[@roscius6204]

French design was often oddly beautiful. We can only hope that one day efficiency is no longer the driving...🙄...force.

[@barrykochverts4149]

One has to wonder whether more adventurous, but less aggressive and mean-spirited auto designs may be around the corner, given the levels of efficiency attainable with electric vehicles. There are no govt. mandates for EV power consumption, as far as I know, so why not veer away from aero design?

[@roscius6204]

@@barrykochverts4149 Exactly, if you can charge it off renewables, then what does it matter.

[@gordocarbo]

THAT is real leather....holds up forever. Why cant we get the real thing anymore?! DIg these oddball cars. Outta my wheelhou$e but still admire. Other is the Bristol Ace.

[@returnofthenative]

So how would you rate its waftability?

[@anthonyxuereb792]

The push-buttons for the auto tranny would have come from Chrysler as part of the engine/transmission package. They also featured in American cars (some with delightful tapered round buttons) and I maintain that they are the best from all the doo dabs offered today. Mercedes had the best auto selector, sublime in conception and operation. A pity Rolls Royce used GM auto transmissions and missed out on the push buttons which is a must-have in a RR.

[@loetzcollector466]

It was definitely not a car for your average everyday person. I believe Ringo Starr owned one, as well as Pablo Picasso.

[@Treviscoe]

Don't know about Picasso, but Ringo did have one, definitely.

[@marksmith762]

Very nice but the exhaust isn’t right.

[@kramnam4716]

Straight out of Thunderbirds.

[@stephenfoxall9655]

The Renault 10 of the ‘70 with auto gearbox was push button.

[@jamesstuart3346]

Pretty sure the wipers aren't meant to park there

[@brahand]

I agree.

[@brahand]

French electrisity, you know.

[@uncleshark1103]

As a Floridian, I can promise you that vinyl dashboards most definitely shrink and split... lol

[@lasalleman6792]

Sweet.

[@Backwardlooking]

I think that the dashboard wasn’t burr walnut but faux as explained in another KZbin video.

[@indigohammer5732]

Ringo Starr owned one. Lucky sod.

[@acptelford1307]

No. He had a Facel Vega ll

[@nigeljohnson505]

I believe Brian Rix of Whitehall theatre farce fame had one of these.

[@adamwort7160]

Yes and told great story giving his friend a ride in one Filmed by quentin Wilson

[@fredwalt2282]

While you’re at it, sort out those wiper blades. That’s ridiculous !!

[@cotswoldclassiccarrestorations]

Lol the car had just come in… grabbed a chance to film for a lap… we are intending to give people an insight into life at the garage as apposed to not publishing anything unless a car is ready for Concours … many cars often having quick work done , to budget, so owners can keep playing with them. We will see how it goes, hopefully we wont’t get shouted at too much ☺️

[@mjk45]

@@cotswoldclassiccarrestorations you said that this was done after the service so why wasn't the wipers and misfire picked up ?

[@SuperSizeArt]

The dash is actually painted metal, or certainly it was originally.

[@andrewpreston4127]

Nice. The existentialist writer Albert Camus was killed in one of these, as I recall. It piled into a tree.

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

i would change the steering wheel = wood alloy polished - other wise all great stuff !

[@alanthomson1227]

Wow

[@DessieTots]

I’d be a pretty nervous owner with this guy always looking everywhere except the road while driving.

[@CLaFong]

It looks like a 50's British car dashboard with an American car steering wheel and push button transmission.

[@phil4977]

Made in France. Surprised it didn’t fall to bits decades ago

[@Tracertme]

That’s what a real engine sounds like..😂❤👍 none these nanny state electronics plastics sumps and water pumps leaking everywhere after 5 years… 😊

[@martiniv8924]

Chrysler Hemi and torqueflite push button transmission , very similar powertrain to Jensen interceptors and Monteverdi’s etc

[@kennethjackson7574]

My father once owned a DeSoto station wagon (circa 1957, I think, with the huge fins) with the 392 early hemi and Torque Flyte. Could pass anything but a gas station!

[@walnutmanor]

​@@kennethjackson7574 largest Desoto engine was 341 CI,. Desoto Hemi was unique, and not interchangeable with the Chrysler Hemi.

[@kennethjackson7574]

@@walnutmanor I stand corrected.

[@Mercmad]

Thats not a Hemi, It's a Chrysler BB Wedge motor . They can be tuned to produce an easy reliable 500-600 HP on regular fuel (See Nicks garage here on YT) .There were RB (raised block ) and BB (big block) .No hemi (426 0r 392) parts interchange . That's a 383 in that car,making it a Vega 500. The First few 500's had the 354 Hemi which has a lower block deck than the 392.

[@Mercmad]

@@walnutmanor The First vegas had the lovely Desoto Hemi 273.

[@gca259]

Not really a great advert for Cotswold CCR is it? Why are late 50's/early 60's Chrysler engines/transmissions so difficult for a specialist in classic car restoration?

[@Mercmad]

Especially as they are not only tough old things,but are dirt simple to work on with excellent parts availability.

[@gca259]

@@Mercmad The whole video is a disaster. I wouldn't trust Cotswold CCR to pump up the tyre on my wheelbarrow ;-)

[@richsackett3423]

Carb's adjusted like pooh. You could hear it on start-up and when it fell on its face.

[@Fredrick-l5c]

So regretful I sold mine😢

[@porscha901]

Bonnet not hood

[@cotswoldclassiccarrestorations]

?

[@rosewhite---]

with no seat belts that pushbutton gears panel will be a kneecapper.

[@jmsjms296]

Great... liability! And what a skinny wheel.

[@loetzcollector466]

Give me yours then. Your liability will be one of my assets.

[@jmsjms296]

@@loetzcollector466 Reality check: you're dreaming.

[@paulwhite2533]

painted metal dash

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Sadly soon all gas cars will be banned!

[@georgewetzel4380]

Sounds horrible.

[@anastassiosperakis2869]

Very beautiful interior, especially the splendid dashboard and gauges, but also the leather instead of the damned Rubbermaid plastics. These will not be cheap, though. I would use a far different exterior color, these look beautiful in dark blue, dark green etc. BTW these are actually far smaller than they look, about the length and width of my compact 1990 Accord Coupe, but much more luxurious and powerful.

[@chrisdorrell1]

They should not sound like they were supposed to be silent. Get rid of that exhaust pipe and those BAD mechanics. Read some history of this marque, and then you might not destroy it.