Facel Vega FVS/HK500 (1956-1961)

Models: FVS, HK500
                     

The 1956 FVS featured a panoramic (aka wrap-around) windshield. Sometimes referred to as FV2, the car featured the same engine as in the later FV1s. Subsequently the 5.4-litre FV2B appeared, with 255 hp. Later versions offered a three-speed automatic. The disc brakes were available from 1958. At some point a reworked, more harmonious front end was introduced, featuring what looked like twin stacked headlights but what were actually headlamps on top and auxiliaries beneath. Power steering and power brakes were both standard as of 1957. From 1958, the engine grew to 5.8 litres (FV4) and 325 hp, although the earlier 4.5 and a 4.9 (FV3/FV3B) were also listed as available. In total, 357 FVs and FVSs were built.

A four-door version, called the Exclellence , was added to the lineup in 1958, but was even more rarefied than the two-door version.

For 1959, the Facel Vega HK500 was introduced. Essentially, it was just a renamed, upgraded FVS. Equipped at first with the 335 hp 5.8-litre V8 from the FVS, the HK500 soon received a 360 bhp 6.3 litre Chrysler V8 making for a top speed of 147 mph (237 km/h). 60 miles per hour came up in 8.5 seconds. Initially disc brakes were optional, becoming standard in April 1960.  Total FV/HK production was 842 or 846 depending on the source.

obrazek 0

obrazek 1

obrazek 2

obrazek 3

obrazek 4

obrazek 5

obrazek 6

The HK500 was the car being driven on January 2, 1960 by French publisher Michel Gallimard when he lost control and crashed outside of Villeblevin, killing both himself and his Nobel laureate passenger Albert Camus. Some have speculated that the driver was not familiar with the car's handling and weight, and that contributed to the severity of the crash.

Source: Wikipedia

Photos: Marcin Kokot, Jack Imiolek