FRANCIS STAUB COLLECTION

Chassis no. FA C162
- The epitome of refinement and elegance
- A rare series 1 cabriolet, one of just 614 built
- Pont-à-Mousson engine
A symbol of French refinement and elegance, the Facel Vega company (for Forges et Ateliers de Construction d’Eure et de Loire SA) produced only 2900 cars during the course of its brief existence. Built by hand, they were luxury models aimed at lovers of beauty who sought exclusivity and refinement. Sensing the need for a model which would sell in greater numbers, Jean Daninos introduced a small sports car, the Facellia. Unveiled in 1959, this was fitted with a 1.6-litre Pont-à-Mousson engine with twin overhead cams. Considered temperamental, this engine was continually developed in the F2 model before being replaced by the Volvo B18 unit, which was used from 1963 in the Facel III. According to the reference work by Jean-Paul Chambrette, Facel Vega, Le Grand Tourisme à la française, total production of the Facellia is estimated at 1045 cars, of which 614 were cabriolets.
The car which we are offering for sale is one of the very first Facellias built. It was delivered new on 1 October 1960 in New York, finished in Racing green with a black interior. Like all the first-series models, its dashboard was finished in the same colour as the interior and offered its occupants a pair of superb seats which prefigured the famous rocking chairs from the designer Verner Panton! Unfortunately, the press criticised them for their lack of lateral support on twisty roads and they were replaced for the 1962 models. According to the information which we have been given by the Amicale Facel, chassis no. FA C162 was imported into Spain in 2008 for a complete restoration by its then owner. In order to expand his collection, Francis Staub acquired it in 2013 from a professional in Holland. It remained his one and only cabriolet until he bought a Peugeot 504 V6 cabriolet the following year, which he rightly judged to be “more powerful and more comfortable”.
On our test drive, the car proved entirely satisfactory. The steering tracks well and is light without being vague, even at higher speeds. The brakes bite well, without causing any vibration in the front drivetrain. On the mechanical side, the gears engage perfectly and are an effective match for the 115 bhp four-cylinder Pont-à-Mousson engine. It is easy to make this engine more reliable today and it adds to the unique appeal of this French cabriolet. From a practical point of view, the legroom, boot capacity, space behind the seats and easy-to-use hood make the Facellia a genuine alternative to more common cars such as the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, Alfa Romeo Spider or Porsche 356. Rarer and more exclusive, its refinement is in keeping with the standards of luxury which this this last great French make set for itself.

Aguttes – Auction House in Paris
The Spring Sale 2020 / 15th of March

Public Viewing:
Friday 13 March: 18:00 PM to 22:00 PM
Saturday 14 March: 10:00 AM to 19:00 PM
Sunday 15 March: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Hall B / Espace Champerret - 75017 Paris

Contact: +33 6 16 91 42 28 / [email protected]

The Auction Sale:
Sunday 15 March: 15:00 PM
Hall B / Espace Champerret - 75017 Paris

Contact: +33 6 16 91 42 28 / [email protected]

For more information and photos:
https://expertise.aguttes.com/estimation-automobiles-de-collection/