When parked take a good look, when it moves it’s difficult to follow.
Facel Vega. A brand that in our opinion produced one of the most beautiful cars ever. Unfortunately, its brief 10-year existence was also accompanied by overzealous chauvinism and technical maladjustment, so that it is now only collector’s items. Facel (Forges et Ateliers de Construction d’Eure) released its first car in 1954. The FV-1. Yet Facel understood a little better than the average small manufacturer; they bought their engines from Chrysler and Ford.
In ’56 the exclusive diplomatic car was introduced; the Facel Vega Excellence. A little Chansonniers that had a baby with Presley; American flair, with French finish and materials. All bumpers were of highly polished stainless steel instead of chrome and the wooden dashboard was painted stainless steel. It was the first production 4-door coupe with styleless suicide doors. Under the hood a 5.9 milk carton counting V8 with 335 chevaux.
This Facel Vega Excellence was first introduced in 1959 by the American main importer Hoffmann in New York and handed over to its first owner. Further investigation revealed that the car had two other owners in the US, the last of whom could call the car his own for more than 40 years.
In 2012, after a long absence, the car was back on European soil and found a place in good company in a collection of beautiful Facel vehicles in Germany. Until now the car has never been completely dismantled but only partially restored at the top address for Facel Vega in the Netherlands. So the current owner has invested a lot of money in the technique, but kept the charm of the original. The vehicle is still presented in the original colour “Claire Lune” and the matching interior colour “Rouge Vaumol”.
Due to the missing B-pillar and the rear hinged doors, the car looks particularly spacious and also exudes a corresponding feeling in the interior, which convinces with its noble equipment and its position as one of the most luxurious automobiles of its time.
According to the register, a total of 153 were ever built, of which around 90 are still alive. Ours is from the third owner, only partly restored, completely original interior and colours. Technically in top condition and optically a bit croque, looking for a new Monsieur. Will we see you soon?