AN extremely rare Facel Vega HK 500 car which is has been hidden away in a garage for almost 50 years is set to sell for a staggering amount.
What makes it so rare is that it is right-hand drive and is thought to be only one of 96 models that were made for the UK market.
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While there is currently a similar 1961 model for sale at just over £59,000 on Classic Trader and a 1959 model with a price tag of more than £52,000 both these are left-hand drive though.
Rarer models, like a Facel Vega Facel II coupe from 1964 could be yours if you happen to have a spare £293,745 kicking around.
A similar model from 1962 is only slightly cheaper at just over £227,000.
Now, the Facel Vega which has been stored in a Flintshire, North Wales, garage for 47 years will go under the hammer later this month in Derbyshire.
The car still has its orginal Brunswick Blue paintwork and grey upholstery.
Mike Davis, senior specialist at H&H Classics, said: “This vehicle find is an absolute gem.
“To find such a complete car tucked away in a garage for such a long period of time is a very special moment.
“Further adding to its appeal, both rare and stylish in equal measures, this right-hand drive ‘HK1’ has the makings of an incredibly rewarding project.”
Originally introduced in 1958, the most famous of the various Facel Vega models, the HK500, was originally designed to compete in the same league as the Ferrari 250 GTE, Maserati 3500GT and the Aston Martin DB4 and was parked in the garages of notable celebrities such as Pablo Picasso, Sir Stirling Moss and François Truffaut.
One of the fastest cars of its generation, Autocar found a manual HK500 to be capable of 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds, 0-100mph in 19.1 seconds and a theoretical 140mph.
Davis added: “Having spent so much of its life hidden away, the HK500 has lost none of its allure and would make a great alternative buy for those who consider a comparable Ferrari or Aston Martin ‘too mainstream’.
“Being such a complete example and coming to auction with ‘no reserve’, we look forward to seeing a considerable level of interest in this rare and highly collectible lot.”
Facel was founded in Paris in 1939 and originally started out making body panels and bodies for other car brands, before launching its first model in 1954.
The French firm though ran into financial troubles and ceased trading in 1964 with the company only ever producing around 2,900 cars in total.
The Facel Vega will be auctioned on April 26 in Buxton, Derbyshire, and will be sold with no reserve.
No estimated has been given.
Bidding can be done in person, online or via telephone.
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