Swiss title
Chassis # FV4-57-235
(FV4-57-NY8 stamped on the car because it is the 8th FV4 exported to New York, by Max Hoffmann)
Engine No. TY5-562.130
- High-level of restoration
- Only 36 units made
- Interesting options
The FV4 was originally intended for export (specifically to the US, a promising market for the brand), so it received the most powerful engines in the range, i.e. the Chrysler TY5 hemispherical cylinder head 5.8-liters V8 developing 340bhp. Production remained rather exclusive: just 36 units with this engine, making it a very rare car today.
Leaving the factory on July 27, 1957, this Facel FV4 that we offer has interesting options such as power steering and brake assist, electrically operated tinted windows and Robergel spoked wheels.
After spending at least 35 years in Northern California, it was bought in October 2004 by Larry Gesiakowski, in its original condition. Its new owner, who managed the restoration workshop WGM, in Chicago (Illinois), then began a complete restoration which lasted four years. He even used two brand specialists, Hans Rühe of the Netherlands and Mark Morgan of California to ensure that the restoration respected the original configuration of the car. All the work has been documented and the photographs come with the car.
The quality of this restoration was so successful that the car won three times the first prize in its class (in September 2010 at the Palos Verdes Concours, in February 2011 at the Desert Classic Concours d'Elegance at La Quinta, California, and in May 2011 the Greystone Mansion Concours d'Elegance in Beverly Hills, California).
In 2011, the car was imported into Europe, and in February 2012 it was purchased during an auction by its current owner. The latter, a keen collector and demanding enthusiast, corrected the few flaws he found out. He entrusted all the work to etablissements Pichler CFG AG, in Gstaad. They include the running gear, the power steering, the control of the transmission, the overhaul of the master cylinder and the brake booster, the replacement of the brake linings, the cleaning and the treatment of the fuel tank... The complete set of invoices will be given to the new owner.
A test drive showed the correct functioning of the car. This Facel FV4 is superb, both in the condition of the body and in the interiors. A rare model indeed, it is even more desirable in this condition, after having had the attention of owners who spent lavishly.
