Solved - MJW #262 - Facel Vega HK 500S "Zagato"

woodinsight · January 29, 2011, 01:44:45 PM

I have no idea who modified/built the body on this car.
All I require is the base car and model for a point.
Any further information is very welcome.

Allemano · January 29, 2011, 03:04:42 PM

Urban myths...

Later more if I get a chance..

Vincent Vell Vet · January 30, 2011, 02:42:51 AM

Don't know the model, but is it a Facel Vega? ? ? ?

woodinsight · January 30, 2011, 03:05:02 AM

It is a Facel Vega.
I just need the model for the point.
Locked for you until your next reply.

Vincent Vell Vet · January 31, 2011, 09:49:10 PM

Based on an HK 500?

woodinsight · February 01, 2011, 03:57:22 AM

It is based on a Facel HK 500 and that has earned you a point.
I'll post another couple of photos and leave the puzzle open for more information on who carried out the modifications. I don't know myself.
Now open to all to come up with a solution.

Wendax · February 01, 2011, 04:02:07 AM

It is also known as the Facel Vega HK 500 "Zagato". But the name is misleading, for it wasn't built by Zagato. This car was built for a British member of the Amicale Facel Vega. Everything was revised and modernized in order to create a "modern classic": steering, suspension, 8.2-litre-engine, overdrive,... . The rebuild should have lasted 3 years, in fact it lasted 12 years. The owner even thinks of installing a Dodge Viper engine.

woodinsight · February 01, 2011, 04:03:24 AM

More views of this Facel HK 500 trying to look as though it was crafted by Zagato.....

woodinsight · February 01, 2011, 04:07:42 AM

Quote from: Wendax on February 01, 2011, 04:02:07 AM
It is also known as the Facel Vega HK 500 "Zagato". But the name is misleading, for it wasn't built by Zagato. This car was built for a British member of the Amicale Facel Vega. Everything was revised and modernized in order to create a "modern classic": steering, suspension, 8.2-litre-engine, overdrive,... . The rebuild should have lasted 3 years, in fact it lasted 12 years. The owner even thinks of installing a Dodge Viper engine.

Thanks Wendax. Do you have a name of the person who carried out the work?
If he wishes to remain anonymous then I'll place this one in the solved section under the title Facel Vega HK 500 "Zagato" and award you a point.
I'll lock it for you until your next reply.

Otto Puzzell · February 01, 2011, 04:08:18 AM

I've seen it referred to as the Facel Vega HK500 S. Probably refers to the sort-of Zagato logo-in-reverse.

Wendax · February 01, 2011, 04:21:55 AM

Unfortunately, it is all information I have.

woodinsight · February 01, 2011, 04:27:35 AM

Okay thanks. I'll place it in the solved section now and add an S to the 500.

barrett · February 01, 2011, 10:09:08 AM

Quote from: Wendax on February 01, 2011, 04:02:07 AM
It is also known as the Facel Vega HK 500 "Zagato". But the name is misleading, for it wasn't built by Zagato. This car was built for a British member of the Amicale Facel Vega. Everything was revised and modernized in order to create a "modern classic": steering, suspension, 8.2-litre-engine, overdrive,... . The rebuild should have lasted 3 years, in fact it lasted 12 years. The owner even thinks of installing a Dodge Viper engine.

Thanks for that Wendax, I wasn't aware of the full story of this car. I'd seen it described as a Facel Vega by Zagato but I had my doubts (to say the least) about that!
If only all websites were as accurate as Autopuzzles.... ::)

Allemano · February 01, 2011, 11:10:24 AM

I would bet there are no bubbles in the roof inside the car... ;)

Joao Gois · February 01, 2011, 12:44:13 PM

When was it built?

woodinsight · February 01, 2011, 01:24:03 PM

Quote from: Joao Gois on February 01, 2011, 12:44:13 PM
When was it built?

I don't know the answer to that but I think the original car was c.1960

Joao Gois · February 01, 2011, 01:31:45 PM

So that "refurbishing" is recent? 21st century?

Wendax · February 01, 2011, 01:40:28 PM

It is a recent work, not even completely finished, yet.

Vincent Vell Vet · February 02, 2011, 01:41:53 PM

So it's kind of a tribute to Zagato? Or what it would look like if Zagato did this one?
Because it has most all of Zagato's trademark beauty marks.
No bodywork ahead of the headlights,
No bumpers,
and a double bubble roof.
Bitchen car!!!

woodinsight · February 02, 2011, 01:54:09 PM

All the Zagato trademarks are there but I think it still looks a bit 'heavy' for a true Zagato design.
Especially the roof that would normally be blended into the coachwork rather than looking like twin escape hatches!
Having said that I don't think it's a bad design but modifying a Facel Vega would be a difficult task in itself.
I think the person who did the modifications has to be commended in what must have been a labour of love.

fyreline · February 02, 2011, 02:20:46 PM

To each their own, of course. The Facel Vegas are among my very favorite cars . . . and I can't help wishing they had left this one alone.

woodinsight · February 02, 2011, 02:27:46 PM

Of course - each to his own ;)

Allemano · February 02, 2011, 02:29:42 PM

"escape hatches" are the words I couldn't find.

woodinsight · February 02, 2011, 03:01:24 PM

Ideal in a 'James Bond' tight spot situation I guess if the 'ejector seats' work! ;D

Joao Gois · February 02, 2011, 05:08:15 PM

Isn't that "S" badge from a Lamborghini?? It sure looks like the one you can find on the Miura or the Countach...

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Solved - MJW #262 - Facel Vega HK 500S "Zagato"