1960 Facel Vega Excellence Hardtop Sedan

The elegant and accommodating proportions of the Facel Vega Excellence EX1 Sedan measured nearly 17.5 feet in length and 125 inches spanning between the wheels. The slab-sided styling with pillarless suicide doors was elegant and tasteful, and the wrap-around windscreen was modern and sporty. The interior featured leather seats, chrome fixtures, and aircraft-like gauges installed in a dash of hand-painted wood grain. The wood grain theme continued on the back of the seats along with a vanity and a second radio head unit.

Seven examples of the Facel Excellence were powered by the 392 cubic-inch Hemi Chrysler V8 engine before production of this powerplant ended. The next iteration, the EX1 released in October 1958, received the 361 cubic-inch 'Wedge' V8 offering 360 horsepower. Transmission options included a TorqueFlite automatic or Pont-à-Mousson manual.

Power windows were standard, and beginning in 1959, disc brakes were optional.

The EX2 version arrived in July of 1961, which dropped the wrap-around windscreen and lowered the tail fins, and was powered by a 383 cubic-inch V8 with nearly 400 horsepower.

This 1960 Facel Vega Excellence EX1 Sedan is powered by a 5,913cc overhead valve Chrysler 'Wedge' V8 engine with a single Carter AFB carburetor and produces 360 horsepower at 5,200 RPM. There is a three-speed Chrysler TorqueFlite automatic transmission and four-wheel servo-assisted drum brakes.

When new, this Facel Vega wore a black paint scheme with beige leather. It was delivered new to the United States through Max Hoffman's distribution company and was the 116th of 154 Excellences built.

By 1982, the car was in the care of E. Williamson, and by 1994, it was owned by Robert Luther of Alexandria, Virginia, who kept it briefly before selling it to Jeff and Dorothy Lace of Huntington Beach, California in September of that year with 34,039 miles recorded miles.

The car is currently painted two-tone gold over black with a red leather interior with cream piping. This car has been driven under 30 miles over the past 29 years.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2023