1962 Facel Vega Facel II Hardtop Coupe

Forges et Ateliers de Construction d'Eure-et-Loir (FACEL) was founded by Jean Daninos in 1939. It specialized in the construction of aircraft components and metal furniture. When War came to a close, they supplied car bodies to Panhard, Simca, and Ford France. Later, they entered automobile manufacture beginning with the Vega which was introduced at the 1954 Paris Salon. The name Vega was chosen in reference to the brightest star in the Lyra constellation. The Facel Vega was given a tubular-steel chassis and elegant coupe bodywork. Under the bonnet was a Chrysler-sourced 4.5-liter V8 fitted to either a push-button automatic or manual transmission.

The French firm Facel produced approximately 2,900 cars during its short life. Their cars were luxurious, stylish, fast, expensive, and hand-built. The list of owners included Tony Curtis, Danny Kaye, Ringo Starr, Sir Stirling Moss, Maurice Trintignant, Rob Walker, Joan Fontaine, and Ava Gardner.

The Facell II was launched in 1961 and remained in production until 1964. An unsuccessful venture into engine manufacture effectively bankrupted the company. Production of the preceding HK500 amounted to around 500 examples between 1958 and 1961. Around 182 of the Facel II models were built.

This particular example is a well-preserved Facel II that has spent most of its life in Southern California. During the last three decades, it has been in single-family ownership.

This car was built in May 1962, per order of the Agent Savoye located in Toulon, a southern France military port city on the Mediterranean coast. The first owner was Mr. Bazin. This car carries production number '042', indicating that it was the 42nd Facel II produced. The car was given a 383 cubic-inch Chrysler wedge V8 engine and a Torqueflite three-speed automatic. As standard equipment, it was fitted with Dunlop disc brakes, a limited-slip differential, power steering, a single four-barrel Carter AFB carburetor, power windows, clear glass, and an HMV radio with an automatic antenna. It also has Borrani wire wheels and left the factory finished in Tudor Grey with black upholstery.

By May of 1970, the Facel had made its way to Southern California where it was purchased from a Mr. Segal by Mr. Bill McKnight. Mr. McKnight used the car as his daily driver during the 1970s. During this period, the engine was rebuilt and the car received a new transmission. It was also painted orange at some stage. In 1980-1981, the car was repainted back to grey and freshened as it was longer seeing daily use. In July 1985, McKnight sold the 73,000-mile Facel II to Mrs. Jan Fisher, who kept it for the rest of her life. Mrs. Fisher regularly participated in club activities and Concours d'Elegance events with the car. While in her care, the car accumulated nearly 40,000 miles.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2015