1967 Facel Vega Facel II Coupé
Chassis no. HK2A 166

"The HK500 was the most interesting car we ever made but the Facel II was the best. It was totally elegant." – Jean Daninos.

In its relatively short life, the French firm of Facel produced approximately 2,900 cars, all of which were stylish, luxurious, and fast. Hand built, they were necessarily very expensive – the Facel II was priced in Rolls-Royce territory – and bought by the rich and famous seeking something exclusive and distinctive. The roll call of owners includes royalty, politicians, diplomats, and entertainers: Tony Curtis, Danny Kaye, Ringo Starr, Joan Fontaine, and Ava Gardner being counted among the latter. Confirming that there was high-performance substance behind Facel's unquestionable style, they were owned and driven by great motor racing figures such as Sir Stirling Moss, Maurice Trintignant, and Rob Walker.

Forges et Ateliers de Constructions d'Eure-et-Loire (Facel) was founded in December 1939 as a subsidiary of the military aeronautics company Bronzavia. After WW2 Facel was headed by Jean Daninos, formerly Bronzavia's technical director, who merged the company with Mètallon. Facel engaged in the supply of car bodies to Panhard, Simca, and Ford before diversifying into automobile manufacture in its own right with the launch of the Vega at the 1954 Paris Salon. A luxurious Grande Routière, the Vega featured supremely elegant coupé bodywork welded to a tubular-steel chassis. There being no suitable French-built power unit, Daninos turned to the USA, that chosen being a Chrysler V8, setting the pattern for future models.

Launched in 1961, the Facel II was destined to be the last of the V8-engined models. Road testing one in 1962, Autocar commented: "A striking amalgamation of French, American and British components, the big Facel has a wonderful way of covering the miles extremely fast without mechanical fuss." Following an unsuccessful venture into engine manufacture that effectively bankrupted the company, production ceased in 1964 after a mere 182 Facel IIs had been built. Today these rare Franco-American GTs are among the most highly sought after of post-war classics.

The Facel II offered here was delivered new in Switzerland via the importer Blanc & Paiche in Geneva to a Mr Esner on 29th May 1962. Records held by the l'Amicale Facel show that the car was finished in Iris Blue with beige leather interior, and equipped with a Radiomobile stereo with Hirschmann aerial; automatic gearbox; locking differential (ratio 2.93:1); a steering wheel set in the uppermost position; and Borrani wire wheels.

The immediately preceding owner acquired the Facel in 1990 and kept the car until November 2011 when it was sold to the current vendor at auction. At that time it was stated that the car was in good condition, benefiting from various works totalling the equivalent of €17,400. Refinished in Iris Grey, the car features an additional bulge to the rear of the bonnet, possibly necessitated by the use of a non-standard air-filter. Chassis number '166' retains its original engine and has a delightfully patinated beige leather interior. Accompanying documentation consists of a cancelled French Carte Grise and the 2011 purchase invoice. The Facel II has since been on static display and will require renovation prior to road use.

An exciting combination of elegant European style and American V8 power, this beautiful Facel II is a worthy successor to the legendary French Grandes Routières of pre-war days.

Please note that if this vehicle remains within Monaco or France, the reduced rate of Import VAT at 5.5% will be applicable on the hammer price. All customs charges will be invoiced and collected directly by our customs agent, Benaim. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered country's rate and paid directly there. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.