Photo: http://www.jasperbeukenkamp.nl
After the successes of the fabulous FV and HK500 models, French luxury car manufacturer Facel Vega developed an even bigger and more exclusive model in 1958. Due to the limited production run, the Excellence is one rare and exotic piece of automotive history.
Unveiled at the Paris Auto Show back in October 1956 to rave reviews from local and international motoring press, the luxury saloon adorned with suicide rear doors was the only four-door model ever made by Facel Vega. When production started two years later, the Excellence commanded a price four times bigger than that of the iconic Citroen DS.
However, the towering sticker price could be further hiked by ticking a few boxes in the options list, including power steering and brakes, electric windows, Borani-like wire-spoke wheels and air conditioning. Combining European design cues with American styling such as tailfins and a wraparound windshield, the vehicle's elegance is furthered by the lack of B-pillars.
Chassis EX1 #B014 is an exquisite example of the breed, painstakingly restored and super reliable thanks to its 5.9-liter Chrysler-sourced V8 engine and Torqueflite three-speed button operated automatic transmission. The 14th Facel Vega ever produced is currently looking for a new owner, sitting quietly in the inventory of Dutch specialist dealer JB Classic Cars.
Even though it's quite an old car tipping the scale at 1,920 kg, this luxurious machine is still able to crack 124 mph (200 km/h) with a bit of tailwind. Advertised for €129,500, translating at $176,260 or £105,270 according to current exchange rates, this vehicle was first bought by a wealthy French industrialist.
In total, around 97 cars out of 134 produced are believed to be still existing in various conditions. This carefully restored model, with complete history and documentation, hopes to welcome its seventh owner soon enough.
However, the towering sticker price could be further hiked by ticking a few boxes in the options list, including power steering and brakes, electric windows, Borani-like wire-spoke wheels and air conditioning. Combining European design cues with American styling such as tailfins and a wraparound windshield, the vehicle's elegance is furthered by the lack of B-pillars.
Chassis EX1 #B014 is an exquisite example of the breed, painstakingly restored and super reliable thanks to its 5.9-liter Chrysler-sourced V8 engine and Torqueflite three-speed button operated automatic transmission. The 14th Facel Vega ever produced is currently looking for a new owner, sitting quietly in the inventory of Dutch specialist dealer JB Classic Cars.
Even though it's quite an old car tipping the scale at 1,920 kg, this luxurious machine is still able to crack 124 mph (200 km/h) with a bit of tailwind. Advertised for €129,500, translating at $176,260 or £105,270 according to current exchange rates, this vehicle was first bought by a wealthy French industrialist.
In total, around 97 cars out of 134 produced are believed to be still existing in various conditions. This carefully restored model, with complete history and documentation, hopes to welcome its seventh owner soon enough.
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