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
