Description
1957 - Facel-Vega FV4 Typhoon
Singularity of the car :
Competitive condition
Fully restored
Production limited to 36 pieces
Complete history
Our Facel Vega FV4 Typhoon, chassis number FV4-57-235, is in concours condition. Assembled on July 27, 1957 and delivered new to Max Hoffmann in New York, it was acquired by the owner from a restoration workshop in 2004. It was then imported to Europe in 2011 and purchased at auction in 2012. Its current French owner acquired it in 2016.
This example is one of 36 Facel Vega FV4s produced between 1957 and 1958. Being extremely rare, our example stands out even more for its concours condition. In a plum exterior color, combined with a beige leather interior and numerous chromes both inside and out, this Facel Vega FV4 is simply perfect.
Its mechanical performance is beyond reproach. Its 5. 8-litre Hemi Chrysler TY5 "Typhoon" V8 engine developing 340 hp, combined with Chrysler's 3-speed automatic gearbox, still delivers astonishing sensations. We have an extensive history of the car, including a full report on its restoration from 2004 to 2008, and its reliability upgrade in 2012. All components were revised during this work. This example also features rare factory options such as power steering and brakes, tinted electric windows and Robergel spoked wheels.
It's also worth noting that this model has won first prize in its class three times: in September 2010 at the Palos Verdes Concours, in February 2011 at the Desert Classic Concours d'Elegance in La Quinta, California, and in May 2011 at the Greystone Mansion Concours d'Elegance in Beverly Hills. Trophies are supplied with the sale.
Historical summary of the model
Facel was legally founded on December 20, 1939. At the time, it was a simple subcontractor associated with the Bronzavia company, and was tasked with fulfilling armament orders from the French Ministry of War. Facel is actually an acronym, standing for "Forges et Ateliers de Construction d'Eure-et-Loir". Facel's first factory was in Dreux. The company produced stamped and welded assemblies in stainless steel and light alloy, in collaboration with the Swedish company Métallon.
After the events of 1940, the Dreux plant was requisitioned, forcing Facel to withdraw to the Paris suburb of Colombes. Forced to collaborate, Bronzavia boss Henri Feuillée commissioned his technical director Jean Daninos to pursue the war effort in Great Britain and the United States. In particular, he imported patents to the United States.
At the end of the Second World War, the reorganization of French industry meant that Henri Feuillée lost his position as director. He returned to Facel, where Jean Daninos was appointed Chairman and CEO. Métallon is integrated into Facel. The company shifted its focus to subcontracting of automobile bodywork. First with Panhard, then Simca, Ford and Bentley, Jean Daninos secretly retained his desire to produce his own cars. In 1952, he decided to produce a grand touring car. His choice of engine was a Chrysler V8, while Jean Daninos' brother chose the name Véga for his first model. With 180 hp, the Véga, an elegant and luxurious 2+1-seat coupé, was modified to provide 2 rear seats before being marketed in 1955.
A second car was presented in September 1955, type FV2, with a panoramic windshield and burr-walnut-style dashboard. It was presented under the Facel Véga brand name. One model follows another, with constant improvements in Chrysler engine power, from 200 hp to 340 hp in the FV4. Conceived between 1957 and 1958, the FV4 was specially designed for the North American market. It was therefore fitted with the most powerful engine in the range, with no less than 340 hp, and only 36 examples were produced. Its imposing grille, chrome bumpers, polished aluminum rocker panels and entirely hand-crafted aluminum body are true treasures of French craftsmanship. The interior spares no luxury, with a profusion of leather, wood and chrome, while allowing 4 passengers to cruise at 225 km/ h in breathtaking silence and comfort. The Facel Véga Typhoon FV4 competed with the Rolls Royces and Bentleys of the day, luxury à la Française.
