1958 Facel Vega FVS Hardtop Coupe

Facel Vega was created in 1954, although Facel was founded in 1939 as an - aviation supplier. Facel was a metal-stamping company that expanded into car manufacturing in the early 1950s as a supplier of special bodies for Panhard, Delahaye, and Simca.

The Vega debuted at the 1954 Paris Salon and by 1956 the cars were called FVS (Facel Vega Sport). The 1954 models came with a DeSoto V8 engine, paired with a Chrysler automatic transmission or a four-speed manual. The tubular-framed chassis features coil springs and double wishbones at the front, with a live rear axle. The interior had an aircraft-inspired dashboard. The rear seats fold flat to provide a luggage platform and access to the trunk. By 1956, the FVS featured a wrap-around windshield. Power steering and brakes were standard in 1957. In 1958, a three-speed automatic and disc brakes were available along with the 5.8L Chrysler Hemi V8 with 325 horsepower.

Facel Vegas attracted a clientele including Pablo Picasso, Christian Dior, Ringo Starr, Max Factor Jr., Dean Martin, Fred Astaire, and Frank Sinatra. Stirling Moss would drive his Facel Vega from event to event rather than fly.

Like many other small automakers, Facel Vega built their cars in short series, with 10 different models over 10 years. Engines used over that period included Chrysler V8s rated at 172 horsepower, 276-cubic-inch DeSoto Firedome, and a Chrysler Hemi 392 cubic-inch Hemi V8 offering 354 horsepower. Of the approximately 357 Series 2 through Series 4 FVS that Face Vega built, only 36 are thought to have been powered by the 325-horsepower dual-quad Typhoon Hemi engine.

This example was sold new in Dallas, Texas, and was street driven until 1968, when it was disassembled for restoration. It was purchased by the current owner while still in the dismantled state. A show-quality restoration was completed in 2012. The car has a full six-piece set of factory luggage, correct wire wheels, Connolly leather, and Wilton wool carpets.

Over the past 55 years, the car has had just two owners. It has never been shown or publically sold. It is also believed to have never left Texas. It is a dual-quad Series 4 car powered by an overhead valve Hemi V8 offering 325 horsepower. There is a Powerflite pushbutton automatic transmission and four-wheel Lockheed-Bendix hydraulic drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014