You may not have very much time left to buy the latest – October – edition of Octane magazine, but it does contain an excellent seven page feature on Steve Groves’s Facel 11 by editor James Elliott. There are some great pictures and complimentary words and it’s great publicity for the Facel marque, something that Steve has embraced with his recent entry in the Hampton Court Concours d’Elegance.

It’s interesting to hear of his improvements to the Facel 11 and the fact that he’s gone for the EZ power steering. He has only owned the car a year but he’s made several improvements to it via Romance of Rust who seem to be a very capable Facel restoration company.

Elliott mentions two things which I’m sorry about. First of all, he talks about the Piper-powered electric windows, which I’ve always thought can easily be replaced by something much more modern and efficient without anyone noticing. Just a personal observation. The other thing pointed out by Elliott is that among Facel owners was Pablo Picasso. Our historian is adamant that this isn’t true and that Picasso didn’t own a Facel; it’s a myth that has been perpetrated for many years. Indeed, it has even been suggested that he didn’t have a driving licence. I’ve tried to get this confirmed via a FVCC member who knows his son, but no reply yet.

I have also been sent the catalogue of Historics Auctioneers sale at Ascot Racecourse on September 26 which is this Saturday. The catalogue actually has a pic of the front and rear of the HK500 HK1 BN2 on the front and rear covers. This is 928HVK, in excellent condition and estimated at £130,000 to £155,000. Viewing is from Wednesday onwards, and the auction starts at 9.30 on Saturday.