1960 Facel Vega Excellence

Jean Daninos founded Forges et Ateliers de Construction d'Eure-et-Loir (FACEL) in 1939 and it originally specialized in the production of aircraft materials. Following World War II, Facel distributed car bodies to Panhard, Simca, and Ford France for nearly a decade before it began manufacturing its own vehicle in 1954. It introduced its new Face Vega FV at the Paris Salon in 1954 despite the crippling legislation that transpired in the immediate post-War era that made it virtually impossible for luxurious cars to be manufactured in France. The demand was still present and Facel saw the opportunity to fill the void, reinforced by the popularity of the new Facel despite the staggering $7,000 asking price at launch. Later developments saw the introduction, in 1956, of the Facel Vega FVS, further evolving into the all-new HK500 in 1959.

The Facel-Vega Excellence was introduced at the Paris Auto Show in October of 1956 and production started in 1958 and lasted until 1964. It was based on the Facel Vega FV Coupe, but with an elongated chassis and with four doors - the sole four-door model the company ever made. Total production reached 156 units, and its low numbers were attributed to its steep price. The price could be driven even higher depending on the options selected, including air conditioning, wire-spoke wheels, power steering, power brakes, and electric windows.

Styling elements inspired by the American car market included the wraparound windshield, tailfins, and the 'hardtop' roof sans B-pillars. These were combined with European features such as the rakishly low profile, stacked quad-headlights, high greenhouse, and low beltline. The front doors were hinged at the front and the back doors were hinged at the rear, in a similar fashion to the Lincoln Continentals of the 1960s.

The interior was created using the finest materials available, with the seats covered in aromatic leather, full instrumentation, and a fake walnut dashboard. A makeup kit was located in the back of the center armrest that included two perfume bottles (albeit empty), and a chrome-handled brush and comb.

Power was sourced from the Chrysler 300 'letter series' models. These Hemi engines were installed in the Facel-Vega engine bays until Chrysler discontinued them for the 1958 model year, after which the V8-powered Fecal-Vegas used the Chrysler B-Series 'Wedge' big-block engines. These engines were backed by either the Pont-à-Mousson-built four-speed manual or the optional Chrysler-built Torqueflite three-speed automatic.

The Paris Show Car of 1956 was powered by a 331 CID V8. The early Excellence automobiles using the 392 CID Chrysler V8 delivering 360 hp are known as the 'EX'-series and a total of eleven were built, seven of which are known to survive. These cars had a hood scoop that was not used on later cars. The 'EX1' cars followed, produced from October 1958 through July 1961. Instead of using the top-of-the-line 413 CID, Facel-Vega installed the 361 CID Chrysler 'Wedge' head V8 into the engine bay, perhaps to decrease the tax imposed by the French road tax system which was based on engine displacement size. Nevertheless, the 361 had the same nominal horsepower output as the Hemi it replaced, and cars produced from late 1959 onwards could be equipped with optional power disc brakes in the front. A total of 137 examples were built as 'EX1' generation models, followed by eight of the 'EX2.' The 'EX2' series came with the larger 383 CID rated at 390 horsepower and was devoid of the wraparound windshield, and milder tailfins. Some of the late-'EX1' built models incorporated some of the 'EX2' design elements, including the changes to the tail fins, non-panoramic windshield, and chassis and steering modifications.

The Excellence had a reputation for its level of finish, luxury, and exclusivity. The V8 engine was powerful and versatile, offering a high level of performance.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2018