Facel Vega HK500. A childhood dream or a nightmare?
Discussion
Spinakerr said:
So this will be ready for the Festival of The Unexceptional in July then? ;-)
Really wonderful to see. I could stare at those wooden dash panels all day.
After all this effort, I'm not sure I'd like being outshone by a Nissan Micra! Really wonderful to see. I could stare at those wooden dash panels all day.
But, hopefully it will be on the road before the Festival.
Mr Tidy said:
It's great to see some real progress. 
Seeing 2 together in one place is a real treat - I haven't seen one in the flesh for years!
Thanks Mr Tidy. Seeing 2 together in one place is a real treat - I haven't seen one in the flesh for years!
There are about 25 HK500s in the UK registered with the owner's club (Amicale Facel Vega, if you're interested) and there is a move among club members to raise the profile of the brand. So, with a bit of luck you might bump into one 'in the flesh' before too long! I'm sure there are quite a few other survivors out there...around 100 of the 500(ish) made were RHD and the global survival rate is reckoned to be around 70%.
This was September 2018 at the Goodwood Revival, where a joint meeting was organised with the French club.
urquattroGus said:
Brilliant, great to see some progress!!
Thanks Angus! Another bill has arrived, which suggests progress is continuing.Om said:
Magnificent! I could stand and stare at that all day and still not get fed up.
Om, I was the same...for the first couple of years! After nearly 25, it's fair to say the feeling has worn off a bit (although I still love it)! Thanks for the compliment.Dinoboy said:
Fantastic!
Thanks Dinoboy. It's these positive comments that have provided much needed motivation over the last 18 months. I really had got to a low point with it all.jamesson said:
Just look at those seats! Magnificent.
The seats were actually made in the UK by Pullman (who I believe did seats for the train with the same name). There's more about them on page 5 if you're interested. Jamesson, thanks for your continued interest in this marathon of a project. Hopefully, the finishing line isn't far away.
tog said:
There will be some Facel Vegas at the Shuttleworth Collection's Best of British airshow next month. The FV club will have a display there and have invited some Bristols to join in also.
I'm planning to be there...but I doubt it will be in the Facel! If you are going it would be good to say hello.theadman said:
I'm planning to be there...but I doubt it will be in the Facel! If you are going it would be good to say hello.
Yes I also plan to be there, ideally in a blue Bristol 410 with two kids in tow. I love a Facel but they don't fit me - I photographed a gorgeous Facel II a few years ago but could barely close the door as there was no knee room between the door and the enormous steering wheel!
theadman said:
The seats were actually made in the UK by Pullman (who I believe did seats for the train with the same name). There's more about them on page 5 if you're interested.
Jamesson, thanks for your continued interest in this marathon of a project. Hopefully, the finishing line isn't far away.
Thank you, I did read all about them. I just love the way they look and I imagine they must be glorious to sit in.Jamesson, thanks for your continued interest in this marathon of a project. Hopefully, the finishing line isn't far away.
You are most welcome for my continued interest in this! It is one of my favourite threads here and such a splendid car. I really commend you for saving it. It's not something I could do so I take my hat off to you for your dedication, patience and bottomless wallet!
tog said:
Yes I also plan to be there, ideally in a blue Bristol 410 with two kids in tow. I love a Facel but they don't fit me - I photographed a gorgeous Facel II a few years ago but could barely close the door as there was no knee room between the door and the enormous steering wheel!
The seating position in an HK is less compromised than a Facel ll. The latter sits on the same chassis but is 3 inches lower overall. The headroom is about the same, so most of those inches came out of the height of the seat squab from the floor. The result is a rather different driving position and a snug fit between your knees and the steering wheel.I'd still love a Facel ll though!
jamesson said:
You are most welcome for my continued interest in this! It is one of my favourite threads here and such a splendid car. I really commend you for saving it. It's not something I could do so I take my hat off to you for your dedication, patience and bottomless wallet!
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