French metal producer FACEL (Forges et Ateliers de
Construction d'Eure et Loire) was a well established French firm which
decided to branch into car manufacturing in the mid-1950's. FACEL had
already supplied complete bodyshells to other French manufacturers such
as Simca, Panhard and Ford France.
The first Facel Vega production cars appeared in 1954
and instantly won acclaim from around the world. The secret to the
success of Facel Vega was its unique blend of elegant design, a US
power-plant and European build quality. The Facel Vega was regarded as a
luxury Grand Tourer that could compete with both the best European and
US models.
After a successful period of building the US powered
models the company made a fatal decision to produce its own four
cylinder engine. This move down-market forced the company to fold in
1964.
In later years these cars were seen on the roads in a
very tatty condition and it is only relatively recently that the marque
has come to be sought after.
