Facel Vega Facel II Standard
The Facel Vega Facel II represented the pinnacle of founder Jean Daninos' vision to create a uniquely French grand tourer that could compete with the best from Italy, Britain, and America. Introduced in 1962, the Facel II evolved from the earlier HK500, featuring more refined styling with four headlights behind glass covers, a wraparound windscreen, and elegant proportions that perfectly balanced power and grace. The company's philosophy was simple yet brilliant: take proven American V8 reliability and performance, wrap it in distinctive French coachwork, and finish it with luxury appointments worthy of the world's elite. Under the hood sat Chrysler's legendary 383 cubic inch (6.3L) V8 engine, rated at 355 horsepower – enormous power for the early 1960s. This gave the Facel II a genuine top speed approaching 150 mph, making it one of the fastest four-seat cars in the world. The engine's massive torque made highway cruising effortless, while the optional four-speed manual gearbox (from French truck maker Pont-a-Mousson) allowed drivers to exploit the engine's full potential. Most customers opted for Chrysler's smooth-shifting Torqueflite automatic transmission instead. The chassis featured a tubular steel frame with independent front suspension and a live rear axle located by leaf springs. Four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes provided stopping power appropriate to the car's 150 mph capability. Power steering was standard, making the Facel II surprisingly easy to maneuver despite its size and weight. Inside, the Facel II was finished to the highest standards, with hand-stitched leather upholstery, rich wood veneers, and comprehensive instrumentation. Air conditioning, power windows, and a premium radio were standard – remarkable luxury for the era. Each car was essentially custom-built to the owner's specifications, making no two exactly alike. The client list read like a who's who of 1960s celebrity: Stirling Moss, Ava Gardner, Tony Curtis, and many others chose the Facel II for its unique combination of performance, luxury, and exclusivity. Tragically, Facel Vega went bankrupt in 1964, partly due to reliability problems with their own small engine used in the Facellia model. Only 184 Facel IIs were built, ensuring its place as one of the rarest and most desirable grand tourers ever created.
With only 184 built, Facel IIs are extremely rare and command six-figure prices. Verify authenticity through chassis number records – replicas exist. Check for rust in the tubular steel frame, particularly around mounting points. The Chrysler V8 is reliable but requires maintenance. French-specific components like the Pont-a-Mousson gearbox and custom coachwork are difficult and expensive to restore. Many survivors have been impeccably maintained by wealthy owners. Look for documented provenance and period-correct specifications. Original paint and interior trim are highly valued. Parts availability is poor; restoration requires specialist expertise.
Only 184 Facel II models were produced from 1962-1964 before Facel Vega declared bankruptcy. Each car was hand-built to customer specifications at the Colombes factory near Paris. Early cars used the 383 ci engine, while later examples received the more powerful 413 ci (6.8L) V8. The Facel II was the final and most refined model from Facel Vega.