A rare, right-hand drive 1960 Facel Vega HK500 has been discovered tucked away in a north Wales garage, and is set to go under the hammer at H&H Classics’ classic car auction on April 26th at The Pavilion Gardens in Buxton. The car has not been seen for almost 50 years, making it a truly unique find for classic car enthusiasts.

Reputedly one of only 98 UK supplied cars, this 1960 Facel Vega HK500 was originally finished in Brunswick Blue with Grey leather upholstery, the same combination it sports today. The car was first registered as ‘WO 2’ on 15 July 1960 and supplied new to W.E. O’Shay Esq. of car accessories giant Magnatex, before later being owned by Londoner Kevin Silcock Esq. The car last underwent an MOT test in 1972 at a recorded 55,000 miles, and accompanied Mr Silcock when he relocated to Flintshire that August. In need of some tender loving care when it entered the current (deceased) ownership in 1976, the car has since been kept garaged for the past five decades.

Mike Davis, senior specialist at H&H Classics, describes the HK500 as “an absolute gem”, and believes that it has “the makings of an incredibly rewarding project” for classic car enthusiasts. The HK500 was originally designed to compete with other famous models, such as the Ferrari 250 GTE, Maserati 3500GT and Aston Martin DB4, and was known for its speed and power. Autocar once found a manual HK500 capable of 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds, 0-100mph in 19.1 seconds, and a theoretical 140mph.

“This vehicle find is a very special moment,” says Davis. “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.”

The HK500 will be offered at H&H Classics’ classic car auction on April 26th at The Pavilion Gardens in Buxton. The auction house, which is the only employee-owned and longest continually trading auction house in the UK and Europe, has achieved world record prices for classic motorcycles, cars and competition cars, including a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB, 1968 Lotus 49B, and a 1996 Subaru Impreza WRC, as well as royal cars such as Queen Elizabeth II’s Daimler, Prince Philip’s Lagonda, and Princess Anne’s Bentley.

Potential buyers can view the HK500 at Pavilion Gardens in Buxton on Tuesday 25 April from 12pm, with bidding possible in person, online, or via telephone. More information on the auction and the Facel Vega HK500 can be found at www.handh.co.uk.