Description
6. 2 litre Chrysler V8
four barrel Carter AFB carburetter
355 SAE bhp
3- speed Chrysler Torqueflite transmission
price on request
Awarded Best of Show at Maastricht Interclassics 2023
Colour Gris Richelieu combined with a Rouge Vif full leather interior.
Delivered to Amicale Facel Holland (AFH) – widely considered as the world’s leading specialist and authority for Facel Vega restoration, parts supply and historical records – by its Finnish owner for a full restoration in 2016.
The automobile was partly dismantled and in a very rusty condition. Luckily quite complete and AFH was able to find the missing parts for the project. After the body was reinforced, it was lifted from the chassis and welded on a temporary “work” chassis; the body was sand blasted, some collision damage was repaired, and all sheet metal restoration work was carried out. After that the bodywork was smoothened and finished in the original colour of Gris Richelieu -a rather dark grey metallic with a shade of green in it. The chassis was also dismantled, shot blasted and powder coated. The chassis, suspension, engine, gearbox and all other mechanical components were fully restored and overhauled to brand new condition. Total period of restoration was 2016-2022
Restoration invoices in excess of 350K Eur.
Link to Amicale Facel Holland story, the specialists of this restoration, large part of the description borrowed from their site.
Facel Vega manufactured 145 examples of the first series of Excellence (type EX and EX1) in the years 1958 – 1961, but near the end of the production run the need of a “facelift” became evident. The somewhat dated panoramic windshield was replaced by a flatter version and the tail fins were rounded off to suppress these a bit. Mechanically the type 2 (EX2) was given disc brakes as standard equipment and the door locking mechanism was improved.
Of this second series (EX2) only 8 cars were built 1961-1962. The last examples were road registered as late as 1964. All 8 EX2 Excellences are still in existence. This EX2 C007 was sold new to the first owner in the USA in 1962.
Officially the EX2 cars have still the original EX1 B… chassis numbers, because in fact these cars began their lives as EX1 bodies but were modified whilst still unfinished with the specific EX2 details. The EX2 C… numbers were “invented” later to make a clear difference but were never stamped on these cars. This EX2 C007 officially has the chassis number EX1 B139.
The 5. 23 metre long Excellence features four doors with rear so-called suicide doors, and without b-post. The interior is majestic with it’s mock walnut -in the French tradition- dashboard and beautifully chromed handles and switches. Coming with all of the novelties which were common on the American market at the time, the robustly built electric windows and gear shift with its stylish buttons. Chrome was used sparingly on Facel cars; bumpers and side trim are stainless steel. Independent wheel suspension with coil springs at the front and a live axle leaf spring suspension system at the rear. From 1960 onwards, the Excellence was equipped with disc brakes all round.
The French company Facel (Forges et Ateliers de Construction d’Eure-et-Loir) was first established in 1938 as a manufacturer of stainless steel products for the aircraft industry. After the second world war Facel began constructing automobile bodies for Simca, Ford France and Panhard.
In those days, the company was under the leadership of Jean Daninos.
Monsieur Daninos had always dreamt of manufacturing his own design of a “Grand Routier” or in other words a luxurious, comfortable and practical 4-person sports car. 1954 saw this dream become a reality with the introduction of the first ever Facel automobile onto the market, the Facel Vega FV1.
These cars were expensive and highly exclusive but even so sold reasonably well, particularly amongst film stars and the rich and famous.
Known history:
1962 delivered to first owner Mr Taylor FL USA
1966-1988 Mr W Brown, FL USA
1988- 2024 Mr L J Finland
8/ 2024 Mr T N Finland
Located in Finland, all viewings flexibly by appointment
