1959 Facel Vega

This 1959 Facel Vega Excellence is the 35th of 137 EX1 four-door sedans built and was imported via Hoffman Motor Cars to the US, where it is said to have been displayed by the manufacturer at the 1959 Los Angeles Auto Show. Chassis EX1 B035 later returned to France and reportedly received a refurbishment in the 1990s before being acquired by the selling dealer in Belgium seven years ago. Finished in dark blue over gray leather, the car is powered by a 413ci Chrysler Wedge V8 mated to a TorqueFlite push-button automatic transmission. Additional features include a Carter four-barrel carburetor, servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes, power steering, power windows, and a Radiomobile radio. This Excellence EX1 is now offered in Antwerp, Belgium, with German registration. Facel was founded in 1939 as a subcontractor that supplied components to French aeronautics manufacturer Bronzavia, and in the post-war years offered specialized coachwork for Simca, Delahaye, Panhard, and other French carmakers. The Facel Vega marque was introduced at the 1954 Paris Motor Show as the manufacturer launched its first self-built car, a two-door coupe, which was joined three years later by the Excellence four-door pillarless sedan. Like the Vega coupe, the Excellence was equipped with a Chrysler powertrain, which for the EX1 series featured a wedge-head V8. This example is finished in dark blue in lieu of the original Tudor Gray listed on Facel registry records shown in the photo gallery below. A gold-color wrap has been added to the roof by the selling dealer, and images of the car prior to addition of the wrap can be seen in the gallery. Design features include door strikers situated centrally on the rocker panels in the absence of B-pillars as well as a panoramic windshield, rear fender fins with bullet-style taillights, bright rocker trim, and dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear bumper. Black painted steel wheels wear stainless-steel covers and 235/75R15 Kontio Whitepaw Classic whitewall tires that are said to have been mounted in 2022, while a matching spare secured in the trunk wears older Michelin rubber. Stopping is handled by servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes at each corner, with duplex actuation at the front wheels. The cabin houses front bucket seats and a rear bench trimmed in gray leather with black piping, while matching upholstery covers the door panels, console, and dash. Additional features include gray carpeting bound in black, power windows, front and rear fold-down armrests, a dash-mounted fold-out vanity mirror, a simulated woodgrain vanity compartment for the rear passengers, and a Radiomobile push-button radio. The two-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a simulated woodgrain dash fascia that houses Jaeger instrumentation including a 160-mph speedometer and a 5,500-rpm tachometer. The five-digit odometer shows 33k miles, approximately 5k of which have been added by the selling dealer. Push-button controls for transmission gear selection are situated to the driver’s left, while the center dash hosts a clock and gauges monitoring coolant temperature, fuel level, amperage, and oil pressure. Controls for the exterior lighting and windshield wipers are positioned on the center tunnel. The 413ci Chrysler V8 features wedge-shaped combustion chambers and is topped with a Carter four-barrel carburetor. Block pad stamping MR413 is shown in the gallery below along with sequence number 31665. Fluid changes are said to have been performed in March 2022. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Chrysler TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission and a solid-axle rear end suspended by semi-elliptical leaf springs. Independent front suspension incorporates double wishbones and coil springs, while telescopic shock absorbers are utilized all around. The car’s entry among Facel registry information lists original delivery to the US via Hoffman Motor Car Company as well as the original colors and options. The register also notes that chassis B035 appeared at the 1959 Los Angeles Motor Show. A June 2020 technical inspection report shown in the gallery below notes the car meets requirements for classification as a classic vehicle in Germany and recommends a service of the brake system.