1957 Facel Vega FVS Hardtop Coupe

There were just 36 examples of the Facel Vega FV4 model produced. This example was completed on July 27th of 1957. Its early history is not fully known; it did reside in Northern California for at least 35 years before being purchased in October of 2004 from San Jose by Larry Gesiakowski, owner of WGM restorations in Chicago, Illinois. When purchased, it was original and complete but showing its age. Over the next four years, the car was given a restoration bringing it back to its former glory.

The car was originally colored black over red leather. Today it wears deep aubergine exterior with natural leather hides in the interior. Over ten hides were used in the work, which took in excess of 300 hours to complete. The dashboard is hand-painted trompe l'oeil metal. The trunk has a fitted tool tray completely equipped, down to the spare Marchal bulbs. It has power steering, power brakes, electric windows, and tinted glass.

The car was purchased from Mr. Gesiakowski by the current owner. It has been shown three times and, in each case, it has captured Best in Class honors: initially at the Palos Verdes Concours in September 2010; next at the Desert Classic Concours d'Elegance in La Quinta, California in February 2011; and most recently in May 2011 at the Greystone Mansion Concours d'Elegance in Beverly Hills, California.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Pebble Beach Auction presented by Gooding & Company. The car was estimated to sell for $150,000 - $180,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $143,000 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2011