Facel Vega started designing the Facel II in 1959 and introduced the production version at the 1961 Paris Motor Show. The production lifespan lasted from 1962 to 1964, with approximately 180 examples of the Facel II built (26 with right hand drive). The Facel II was a GT (grand tourer) that was advertised by the company as 'Le Coupé 4-places le plus rapide du Monde' ('The Fastest 4-seater Coupé in the World'). Amazingly, with a 'dry' weight of two tons (4,145 lb), the potent 6.3-liter (383ci) Chrysler engines allowed for top speeds of over 135 mph, and with the four-speed gearbox, it could exceed 150 mph. In the manual transmission configuration, it could out-accelerate two-seat GTs such as the Aston Martin DB4, Ferrari 250 GT and 'gull-wing' Mercedes-Benz 300SL, to 60 mph and all except the Ferrari to 100 mph.
This 1963 Facel II is a very nice example and shows very well. The design itself captures immediate attention, but the smooth and polished red exterior paintwork captures it that much quicker. While the chrome is showing some age, all the metal trim is solid. The new leather interior is beautiful, and the faux wood dash paint scheme is stunning and can fool the best.
The engine and drivetrain operate well together, and this car needs very little to be back on the road. With only about 180 Facel IIs ever built, this is the perfect opportunity to snag a great deal on one of the most collectible, beautiful, and rare sports cars of all time.
Please visit luckyoldcar.com for more collectors car in our auction. May 31st
