1958 Facel Vega FVS Hardtop Coupe

The Facel motor company was named for the acronym of Forges et Ateliers de Constructions d'Eure-et-Loir. They originally supplied automobile bodies in limited numbers to various brands such as Delahaye and Panhard. As the bespoke coachwork market continued to dwindle, they launched their own complete motorcar in 1954. It was named for the brightest star in the constellation of Lyra - the Vega. These were hand-built vehicles that were expensive and exclusive.

In 1958, the Facel Vega Typhoon, also known as the FV4, was introduced and produced for just one year. It was designed by Jean Daninos, Lance Macklin a celebrity from HWM racing, and M. Brasseur. It had a masculine stance with double-stacked headlights, and a high-performance 348 cubic-inch V8 Hemi engine that was fed by two four-barrel Carter carburetors and mated with a 'TorqueFlite' three-speed push-button automatic transmission. The engine offered 325 horsepower and 425 feet-pounds of torque. Zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in eight seconds and had a top speed of 140 mph.

Just thirty-six of these vehicles were built.

This particular example was delivered in silver paint over a burgundy leather interior. It is believed that its current owner is the fourth caretaker. At some point in its life, it is believed that it was given a sympathetic restoration.

The current owner acquired the car in 2014 and believes it had received a frame-on restoration several years prior.

This car has power steering, windows, and brakes. There is a tachometer, AM/FM radio, fog lights, and stock Borrani wheels with a spare, knock-off hammer, and jack, plus the original engine cover. The 354 cubic-inch Chrysler Hemi V8 engine is fitted with dual 4-barrel Carter carburetors and produces 300 horsepower. There is a push-button automatic transmission and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2018