Vehicle Description
Although in business for only a short time, the French firm of
Facel produced approximately 2,900 cars, all of which were stylish,
luxurious, and in the case of the V8 models - quite fast.
Hand-built, they were necessarily very expensive - the Facel II was
priced in Rolls-Royce territory - and bought by the rich and famous
seeking something exclusive and distinctive. The list of
distinguished Facel owners includes royalty, politicians,
diplomats, and entertainers such as Tony Curtis, Danny Kaye, Ringo
Starr, Joan Fontaine and Ava Garner. Attesting to the fact that
there are high-performance underpinnings behind Facel's smart and
sophisticated style, they also appealed to great motor racing
figures such as Sir Stirling Moss, Maurice Trintignant, and Rob
Walker, who all counted as proud Facel-Vega owners. Debuting in
1961, the Facel II was destined to be the last of the Chrysler
V8-engined models. In a 1962 road test article, Autocar magazine
was compelled to write, "A striking amalgamation of French,
American and British components, the big Facel has a wonderful way
of covering the miles extremely fast without mechanical fuss."
Following an unsuccessful venture into engine manufacture that
effectively bankrupted the company, production ceased in 1964 after
a mere 182 Facel IIs had been built. Today these rare
Franco-American GTs are highly coveted by collectors and touring
enthusiasts. This rare stylish Facel II wears a chassis number that
indicates it is the 87th Facel II produced, being delivered new to
an American buyer via Hoffman Motors in 1963. It retains its
powerful original Chrysler Typhoon 383 cubic-inch Wedge engine,
with the correct TY-series numbers (TY8-712-203) that corresponds
with published factory records. Along with standard power windows,
power steering, limited slip differential, and four-wheel Dunlop
disc brakes, this example also came fitted with desirable optional
air conditioning and rides on a correct set of Borrani wire wheels
wrapped with Michelin tires. It left the factory with silver paint
and a red interior however it currently wears a well-maintained
older restoration, finished attractively in teal green over cream
beige leather upholstery that displays a slight patina, adding to
the character and old-world charm of this elegant GT. A Facel
signature feature is the curvaceous wrap-around dash that is metal,
but meticulously painted to look like wood with aircraft inspired
switches. The treatment makes for one of the most interesting and
elegant interiors of all time - a place that invites its occupants
to enjoy all that is good about touring in a vintage car in the
most stylish way imaginable. Original details like wrinkle finish
valve covers, porcelain exhaust and the factory AC mounting reveal
the car's largely unmolested character, and present well, perfect
for use and enjoyment. The engine compartment is nicely presented
and all the details inside the car and under the hood are true to
original. Benefitting from a recent light freshening, it has been
fully sorted and ready for touring and events, but has been
prepared to a level that makes it suitable for the occasional show
as well. The pinnacle of the French grandes routieres, this
remarkable car is capable of steady 100+mph touring in near
complete silence, luxury and safety. The culmination of a
half-century of great French cars by Delahaye, Delage, Talbot-Lago,
Bugatti, Hispano-Suiza, this rare jewel is ready to shine on tours,
club events or long, swift runs through the countryside in comfort
and style, where the long-legged V8 performance and the sumptuous
four-passenger cabin can best be appreciated. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7417-1963-facel-vega-facel-ii/
