Vehicle Description
Established in 1939 as a subsidiary of French military aircraft
manufacturer Bronzavia, FACEL (Forges et Ateliers de Constructions
d'Eure-et-Loir) entered a new and dynamic postwar era under the
leadership of Jean Daninos. Appointed head of FACEL in 1945 and
possessing considerable automotive and aviation production
experience, Daninos aggressively guided the company into
automobile-body manufacturing for Ford, Panhard, Simca, and even
Bentley. Well-positioned for Europe's postwar economic recovery,
FACEL's operations were also prudently diversified among vehicle
types, including production of body parts for Delahaye, Panhard,
Vespa, Piaggio, Motobecane, and various components for several
tractor manufacturers.On 22 July 1954, the Facel Vega marque was
established as Daninos spearheaded a move into the ultra-luxury,
Grand Touring automobile market, offering high levels of luxury and
exclusivity from Day One. The company's first production models
were designated 'FV' and debuted at the October 1954 Paris Salon.
Since no French manufacturer produced engines with the required
output for superior performance, Facel minimized development time
and engineering costs by sourcing powerful V-8 engines, robust
transmissions, and proven chassis components from Chrysler's DeSoto
marque. Due to punitive French taxation, the vast majority (nearly
80 percent) of Facel Vega production was exported to North
America.By 1956, Facel Vega cars were collectively designated "FVS'
for 'Facel Vega Sport.' Powered by progressively larger and
more-powerful Chrysler-supplied V-8 powerplants, these cars were
methodically developed and uprated; by 1958, they were
alternatively called 'FVS Series 4' or 'FV4', denoting "4th
Series." Nomenclature aside, these potent GT cars delivered ample
power from the twin-carbureted 354ci/355hp "Hemi" V-8 engine as
used by the NASCAR-dominating Chrysler 300B. Performance was, and
remains breathtaking, including 0-60 MPH acceleration in about 9
seconds and potential for 130 MPH - ideal for the discerning
owner/driver seeking to cover the maximum distance in the least
time with bespoke comfort and luxurious appointments. Bodywork
featured numerous modernistic design cues for the era, including
stacked twin headlamps per side, a bold upright radiator grille
with detached horizontal elements, a fashionable wraparound
windshield, straight-through fenders, and smooth body sides
terminating in tail lamps atop blade-type rear fenders. Interiors
were spacious, handsomely trimmed in top-quality leather
upholstery, and equipped with comfortable bucket-type front seats,
plus a floor console and comprehensive instrumentation worthy of
competition cars. Priced from about $12,000 new, representing the
cost of a contemporary high-end Rolls-Royce, Continental Mark II,
or a rare coachbuilt Ferrari, the FVS 'Typhoon' or FV4 saw careful
evolution and extremely limited production.This Facel Vega FVS is
exceedingly rare, one of 68 'Series 4' examples believed to have
been produced for 1958. Alternatively known as the 'Typhoon,' as
announced on its lower front fenders, it retains the original body
number (248) and engine number (TY5-562144). Very well cosmetically
restored and presented, it stands as a particularly exquisite
example of this rare breed. Handsomely finished in Radiant Silver
Metallic paint over rich red leather upholstery, this is reputedly
one of seven FVSs delivered new to the United States via Max
Hoffman's famed New York-based European car distributorship in late
1957. Power is provided by the matching numbers 354ci Chrysler
"FirePower" Hemi V-8 engine (one of only 35 built with this engine)
sporting twin 4-barrel carburetors, mated to Chrysler's Powerflite
two-speed automatic transmission. Following restoration, this FVS
won Best in Class honors at the 2013 Palos Verdes Concours
d'Elegance in California. More recently, it completed the famed
Copperstate 1000 long-distance road rally.As offered, this "4th
Series" 1958 Facel Vega FVS looks fabulous. Excellent and
consistent stainless bumpers and discreet bright trim enhance the
unique design cues. The interior is particularly attractive and
inviting, featuring a quality restoration with rich red leather
upholstery, matching wool carpeting, a correct dash with lovely
woodgrain painted motif, proper and comprehensive Jaeger
instruments, and a period-correct dual-band radio. Power window
lifts and a leather-clad floor console with various easy-to-reach
hand controls round out the sumptuous interior. The engine bay
benefits from extensive detailing, and the powerful 'Hemi' V-8
features a factory-correct "Batwing" dual-element air
cleaner.Similar in concept to such glamorous and rare 1950s icons
as the American-Italian Dual-Ghia, the Facel Vega FVS, its
variants, and successors exemplify the late-1950s/early-1960s
"Golden Age" of fast, luxurious, and eye-wateringly expensive Grand
Touring machines. Equally capable of rapid transcontinental dashes
and dignified cruising along the exotic C�te d'Azur or effortlessly
gliding along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, this compelling example
is well sorted and ready for continued enjoyment by a discerning
collector/enthusiast. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
