1963 Facel Vega Facel II

Here we have a very rare example of the most interesting luxury coupe from the sixties, and certainly my favourite car of all time, bar none! This 1963 Facel Vega Facel II, HK2 B142, is one of only 26 right hand drive examples, an older restoration in a very nice condition with over £25k in invoices over the last few years. She is finished in a beautiful Light Metallic Blue with the original Red Leather Interior, subject to much recent expenditure, she is ready to drive away!

Built by one of France’s most famous manufacturers of high-speed grand tourers, the Facel II continued the marque’s tradition of American performance coupled with French styling. Powered by a 355bhp, Chrysler V8, the four-seater Facel II could sprint from 0-60mph in 7. 8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 134mph while carrying its passengers in total luxury. This intoxicating experience made the Facel II one of the most desirable cars of early 1960s society. Approximately 180 of the Vega II were manufactured between 1962 and 1964. In its relatively short life, the French firm of Facel produced around 2, 900 cars, all of which were stylish, luxurious and fast. Hand-built, they were, of course, necessarily very expensive, the Vega II was priced in Rolls-Royce territory and were bought by the rich and famous seeking something exclusive and distinctive. Founded by Jean Daninos in 1939, Forges et Ateliers de Construction d'Eure-et-Loir (FACEL) specialised in the construction of aircraft components and metal furniture. After the war, the company engaged in the supply of car bodies to Panhard, Simca and Ford France before branching out into automobile manufacture in its own right with the launch of the Vega at the 1954 Paris Motor Show. Government legislation had effectively killed off France's few surviving luxury car manufacturers after the Second World War but that did not deter Jean Daninos in his bold attempt to revive what had once been a great French motoring tradition. A luxurious grande routière, the Vega featured supremely elegant coupé bodywork welded to a tubular-steel chassis. The roll call of esteemed owners includes royalty, politicians, diplomats and entertainers such as: Tony Curtis, Danny Kaye, Joan Fontaine, Ava Gardner and Ringo Starr as well as great motor racing figures such as Sir Stirling Moss, Maurice Trintignant and Rob Walker.

Originally registered on 1st March 1963, this car was originally supplied in Platinum Grey with Red Leather Interior, this was a unique, one of one colour, optioned with the Automatic Gearbox, Power Steering, and Chrome Disc Wheels, it was originally registered 39 PJ, a desirable and expensive, transferable number it retains today. Its first owner was Charles De Gale of Clarges Hotel on Marine Parade in Brighton, he held onto the car for 4 years and about 26k Miles, before selling it to John Parkin of J. R. Parkin Ltd of Heckmondwike, Yorkshire, in January 1967, they held onto the car until 2016, an impressive 49 years, the owner before me had the car for around 9 years, so every owner is accounted for!

This Facel Vega II is one of only 26 right hand drive examples manufactured. with only four owners from new, a believed genuine 64, 000 Miles from new, much recent expenditure, she presents very nicely indeed. She is finished in a beautiful Light Metallic Blue, with what we think is the original Red leather interior, which is exactly as you would like to find it. Some time in the past the original engine and gearbox have been replaced with the same type but a later 1968 unit featuring the later Torqueflite gearbox with a Park Gear, a useful upgrade from the original. She is not in a concours condition, more a very nice usable condition, but mechanically very good indeed. The valuable number plate is included in the sale and this presents a very rare opportunity to purchase a Right Hand Drive Facel II, who knows when the next one will be available. We have priced her competitively but are always open to any Part Exchanges you may have.

These are very stylish cars and are relatively simple mechanically, Jean Daninos was once quoted as saying "The HK500 was the most interesting car we ever made but the Facel II was the best. It was totally elegant." This Facel Vega II offers excellent value given the rarity and to this day is seen as one of the most iconic pieces of automotive design. Very rarely available, this is a beautiful car from my own collection!