1962 Facel Vega Facel II Hardtop Coupe

These expensive and fast automobiles were the result of a Franco-American venture. The elegant bodies were made by the firm that previously supplied bodies for Panhard, Simca, and Ford. The engine is a 413 cubic-inch Chrysler 'Max Wedge' with twin four-barrel Carter carburetors. About 2,900 total Vegas were made, of which only 182 were Facel IIs.

Facel (Forges et Ateliers de Construction d'Eure et de Loire) was founded in 1938 as a maker of machine tools for the aircraft industry, later diversifying by making car bodies for Panhard and Simca. In introducing the Vega in 1954, a luxuriously appointed 4-seater powered by a 180 horsepower DeSoto Hemi V-8. Production of the French-American hybrids continued through several versions, including an original sports car called the Faceillia in 1962. By the end of 1962, the company was in receivership and declared bankrupt by 1965.

Designed and built in October 1962 with a Chrysler 6.7 liter V8 engine and dual Carter four-barrel carburetors, 390 horsepower, 4-speed all-synchro Pont a Mousson transmission. There were 2,900 Facel Vegas produced from 1954 until 1964 when Facel went bankrupt and ceased production. Of that number only 184 were Facel IIs. It is believed only 13 Facel IIs had this combination of engine/transmission and this car is one of only two in the United States with a manual transmission. In 1965 the car appeared at Sotheby's auction in London and was acquired by Mr. Hans Beyer Clausen of Denmark who kept the car until his passing in 2006. His widow sold the car to a gentleman who eventually consigned it to a dealer/restorer in Holland. It was acquired by the present owner and imported to the United States in March of 2007. When acquired the car had 29,000 original miles and now has approximately 32,000 miles.

This Facel II is one of just 184 produced from 1962-1964.