Facel was started by French engineer Jean Daninos in 1939 as a constructor of aviation components. Daninos had previously worked for Citroen and dreamed that his company would one day produce their own automobile. The phrase “Facel” was an acronym for the Forge And Construction workshop for the department of Eure-et-Loir. 1954 saw the debut of Daninos’ first design, the Facel Vega, at the Paris Salon. The new shape was a perfect blend of American and iconic French design, in a classic sport coupe arrangement with distinct tail fins at the rear. Suspension upfront was fully independent anchored by a unique tube chassis designed by Lance Macklin that used a traditional solid axle at the rear. Lavish interior trimmings featured genuine Connolly leather and an elegant walnut dashboard with instruments placed in a similar manner to period aircraft. Daninos’ desire to produce a car with incredible power led him to contract engines through the Chrysler Corporation in the U.S. The first Facel Vega’s featured the legendary 331ci DeSoto Firedome HEMI V8 with 180hp mated to a two speed Powerflite automatic transmission. The 180hp American powerplant was capable of pushing the FV to speeds in excess of 110mph. Despite the Facel Vega’s obvious appeal, the elevated taxable horsepower rate in France meant the FV was a rare sight on French roads. Over 70% of production was exported many of which came to the U.S. through legendary importer Max Hoffman in New York.

The FVS or Facel Vega Sport model was introduced in 1956 and featured a style addition with a wrap-around windshield. The FVS model eventually evolved into the FV4, which was intended as a U.S. Market model only. The FV4 featured the legendary 354ci Chrysler HEMI with 325hp, due in part to its twin four barrel carburetors. Only 37 FV4s were built for 1957 and they were the only cars to feature the iconic Typhoon script behind the front wheels. Today the Facel Vega is considered by many to be the last of the great French hand-built automobiles. Their iconic design, quality construction, and American V8 Power appeal to many. However, examples are seldom seen except in some of the world’s most premier collections.

The 1957 Facel Vega FV4 Typhoon Sport Coupe featured here is finished in stunning Dark Pomegranate with a gorgeous tan Connolly leather interior. This magnificent Facel Vega FV4 Typhoon Sport Coupe is among one of the finest examples to be found anywhere in the world. A seven-year, no expense spared body-off restoration was completed in 2014 and this vehicle has been driven just 263 miles since. This incredible example still retains its numbers matching 354ci HEMI engine as verified by the registry at Amicale Facel Holland. Facel Vegas FV4s rarely appear on the market especially in this condition; the combination of the concours level restoration and the fact that there were only 37 built make this a tremendous investment. We are proud to offer this 1957 Facel Vega FV4 Typhoon Sport Coupe to the most demanding collector or enthusiast who wants the best. Classic cars have proven to be among the most resilient and rewarding investments in recent years with the Historic Automobile Group Index (HAGI) jumping 39% in 2013, 16% in 2014 and 17% in 2015 while posting gains of 467% over the last 10 years. Ready to make an investment you can actually enjoy? Please contact one of our expert sales consultants for more information. They will be happy to give you a complete walk-around, supply you with a more detailed description, and answer any questions you may have. Buy with confidence.

*Please note that this 1957 Facel Vega FV4 chassis was first registered in 1958 and is titled as a 1958 model.*