- Franco-American elegance
- Muscular Chrysler Hemi power
- Grand routier for all continents
325 bhp, 330 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, Powerflite two-speed automatic gearbox, coil-spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,630 mm
Jean Daninos was a Parisian-born engineer of Greek ancestry. He worked for Citroën in body engineering and as the head of special vehicles, but he left after the Michelin takeover. He founded Métallon, a fabricator of kitchen cabinets and sinks, and in 1939, he established Forges et Atéliers de Construction d’Eure-et-Loire, or Facel for short. The two firms combined and made aero engines during World War II.
After the war, Facel-Métallon produced bodies for the Dyna Panhard, Simca, and Ford of France’s lovely Cométe, as well as some quite stunning one-off coachwork, notably on his own Bentley Mk VI. In 1954, Daninos decided to try his hand at a complete car. On a tubular chassis frame with box-section crossmembers, he mounted a Chrysler hemi V-8 engine, initially the smaller DeSoto version. The gearbox was either Chrysler’s Powerflite or the French Pont-a-Mousson four-speed manual, whilst the body was Facel’s own, executed in steel with stainless brightwork. Over the years, larger Chrysler engines were fitted, along with power assists and better brakes.
This well-preserved, accident-free, original Black Facel Vega Coupé presents very well. The paint exhibits a deep shine, and the Dove Grey leather interior exhibits a pleasing patina. Its current owner has just completed a mechanical and cosmetic freshening, which included a complete fuel service and a carburettor rebuild. He reports today that it continues to run strong and shift and track properly, whilst the cosmetic attention paid to the engine bay and chassis has brought the car to an impressive standard. The carpeted boot is also nicely detailed.
The car is equipped with electric windows, power steering, and Chrysler’s excellent Powerflite automatic gearbox, making it a delight to drive. The Facel Vega is a subtle crossbreed of French flair with American practicality, and it is comfortable on all continents. It is a grand routier in the proper sense, as it is fast, stylish, and elegant. With fewer than 3,000 built, all by hand, it is a worthy successor to the pre-war coach built European prestige automobile.
