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, before turning its hand to luxury cars like the Facel II. Powered by a 355-horsepower Chrysler V-8, the four-passenger Facel II was not only one of the fastest cars, but also one of the fastest accelerating – in fact it was quicker from 0-60mph than the Aston Martin DB4 and Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, while also boasting Rolls-Royce-like comfort. This example was the original press car, one-of-three right-hand-drive manual examples.
The Facel Vega Facel II is a luxury grand tourer produced by the French automaker Facel Vega between 1962 and 1964. It was one of the most elegant and powerful cars of its era, combining French craftsmanship with American muscle.
The Facel II was renowned for its sleek and sophisticated design. It had a low-slung body with a wide front grille, chrome accents, and an elongated hood, giving it a distinctive and luxurious appearance. The car’s styling was a continuation of the brand’s signature look, characterized by clean lines and understated elegance.
The Facel II was powered by a Chrysler-sourced V8 engine, with options ranging from a 6.3-liter to a 6.7-liter engine, producing between 355 to 390 horsepower. This made it one of the fastest production cars of its time, with a top speed of around 150 mph (240 km/h). The car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 7 seconds, which was impressive for the early 1960s.
The interior of the Facel II was luxurious and well-appointed, featuring high-quality materials such as leather upholstery, polished wood trim, and a comprehensive dashboard with a range of gauges and controls. The cabin was designed to offer comfort and style, making it a true grand tourer suitable for long-distance travel.
Only 180 units of the Facel II were produced, making it a rare and highly sought-after classic car today. Despite its short production run, the Facel II left a lasting legacy as one of the most beautiful and powerful grand tourers of the 1960s. The combination of French design and American power has made it a favorite among collectors.
