1964 Facel Vega Facel II

The Facel Vega Facel II is a car that radiates the kind of charisma and ambition that only comes from a company fighting for its survival with everything it has. Produced in Paris between 1962 and 1964, the Facel II was the swan song of Facel Vega - a marque that sought to blend the best of French elegance with the raw power of American engineering. Even today, the Facel II stands as one of the most distinctive and desirable grand tourers of the 1960s, a car that captures the imagination of enthusiasts and collectors alike.

By the early 1960s, Facel Vega was in dire financial straits, battered by the fallout from its smaller Facellia model’s unreliable engine. The company’s president, Jean Daninos, believed the Facel II could be the car to restore Facel Vega’s fortunes. He described it as the most elegant car the company ever built, a sentiment echoed by many who have seen or driven one. Unveiled at the 1961 Paris Motor Show, the Facel II was positioned as the fastest four-seater coupé in the world - a bold claim, but one that was not far from the truth.

Production was extremely limited, with only about 180 cars built before Facel Vega finally succumbed to bankruptcy in 1964. This rarity has only added to the Facel II’s allure, making it a true collector’s gem.

The Facel II’s design is a masterclass in understated glamour. Its low roofline, sleek body, and clean, modern lines marked a clear departure from the more flamboyant, panoramic styling of its predecessor, the HK500. The car’s proportions are spot-on, with a long bonnet, elegant fenders, and a purposeful stance that hints at the performance lurking beneath.

Inside, the Facel II is pure luxury. The cabin is swathed in fine leather, with voluptuous seats that invite long-distance travel. The dashboard, although made of metal, is meticulously painted to resemble wood, and the aviation-inspired controls add a sense of occasion to every drive. Details like electric windows, a radio with an automatic antenna, and Hydrosteer power steering were standard, reflecting the car’s mission to offer both comfort and cutting-edge features.

What truly sets the Facel II apart is its performance. Under the bonnet lies a Chrysler-sourced 6.3-litre V8, delivering 355 horsepower with the automatic TorqueFlite transmission or a staggering 390 horsepower with the French Pont-a-Mousson manual gearbox. Later cars were even fitted with a 6.7-litre Chrysler RB “wedge” engine, pushing power and speed further still.

With the manual gearbox, the Facel II could sprint from 0 to 97 km/h (60 mph) in under eight seconds and reach a top speed of over 240 km/h (150 mph) - figures that put it ahead of many contemporary two-seater GTs, including the Aston Martin DB4 and Mercedes-Benz 300SL, and on par with the Ferrari 250 GT up to 100 mph. Dunlop disc brakes on all four wheels provided the stopping power necessary for such a fast machine, while the ride, though heavy at nearly 1,880 kg, was composed and refined thanks to its robust suspension setup.

The Facel II wasn’t just about speed. Its list of features reads like a wish list for any luxury grand tourer of the era. Leather seats, electric windows, power steering, and a radio were all standard. The dashboard’s woodgrain effect and aviation-inspired switches gave the interior a unique, sophisticated character. Some right-hand-drive models even featured Armstrong Selecta-Ride shock absorbers adjustable from the dash, a rarity at the time.

Exterior color options were tasteful and elegant, with many cars finished in subtle metallic shades that accentuated the car’s lines. Wire wheels, often finished in stainless steel, completed the look, giving the Facel II a presence that was both commanding and refined.

Contemporary reviews were effusive. England’s Autocar magazine remarked that to step down into a Facel II “must be the ambition of many who can never fulfil it,” highlighting the car’s exclusivity and desirability. Motor magazine praised its unique blend of speed, refinement, and luxury, noting that it combined American brute force with European control and British luxury in an environment of unmistakable French elegance.

The Facel II attracted a glamorous clientele, including celebrities like Ringo Starr, Tony Curtis, and Debbie Reynolds, as well as royalty and heads of state. Its rarity and beauty have ensured that it remains highly sought after today, with auction prices for well-preserved or restored examples reaching impressive heights. Right-hand-drive models are especially prized, with only 26 believed to have been built.

The Facel Vega Facel II is more than just a fast, luxurious coupé - it represents the last, glorious stand of a French marque that dared to dream big. Its blend of Continental style and American muscle was unique in its day and remains unmatched in many respects. The Facel II’s rarity, performance, and sheer presence have cemented its status as one of the most desirable grand tourers of the 1960s, a car that continues to inspire awe and admiration among those lucky enough to encounter one.

For anyone who loves automotive design, the Facel II is a reminder of what can happen when ambition, artistry, and engineering come together in pursuit of greatness. It’s a car that doesn’t just live up to its legend - it defines it.

Related Notes

1957 Facel Vega FV2B Cabriolet