This 1958 Facel Vega coupe has not been seen in public or ever sold at auction in its 55 years living in Texas. Part of a 300-unit run in total, the FVS Series 4 Sport Coupe is widely viewed as the most elegant and successful car from this fledging Parisian automaker. Powered by the potent Chrysler ->ke21 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 from the 1950s, the Facel Vega has distinctly European elegance in its styling, but proportions that made this car look like a tank versus the mini cars otherwise driven by the French middle class.

Originally advertised as the car “For the Few Who Own the Finest,” Facel Vega's were ideal transport for the Monaco crowd. A two-speed, pushbutton automatic and Bugatti->ke16-quality cabin materials set the tone for a giant price.

A cruiser at heart, the FVS Series 4 Sports Coupe brings together two sides of the Atlantic in a partnership that would spin pure gold for Carroll Shelby->ke81 when done the other way around.

Shelby brought over a few of the lightest and smallest European roadster he could find, then added a monster American V-8 engine. Facel Vega went a different route, importing the frame chassis and engine of Chrysler ->ke21 300C to France, before adding custom coachwork outside and in.

Both were big advancements toward international collaboration during a time when even mailing a postcard from New York to Paris took almost 6 weeks to arrive.

This coupe does not major in business lessons, as it was the high point for Facel Vega's car manufacturing venture. The Facellia replacement was a failure, taking the company and its styling grace with it.

Click past the jump to see more about the 1958 Facel Vega FVS Series 4 Sport Coupe, with exquisite images of its red leather cabin and bespoke luggage.

1958 Facel Vega FVS Series 4 Sport Coupe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 1958 Facel Vega FVS Series 4 Sport Coupe
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 345
  • Torque: 430
  • Transmission: 2-speed Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The exterior styling is completely bespoke to the Facel Vega, despite shared chassis components with Chrysler->ke21. The proportions of the Facel Vega are much nicer than the 1957 300C, which ran a much wider and 4-foot-longer body on the same size wheelbase and tracks.

The Facel Vega is then much narrower than the jumbo Chrysler->ke21, and also has a nice teardrop trunk - evolving the previous high-dollar Bugatti ->ke16 and Voisin rear ends - but in a modernized and now a much larger shape.

A wraparound windshield glass is deeper than Chrysler ->ke21 could offer, and the pillarless coupe design was special both then and now. Much of the pagoda roof style seen here would later be applied to the Mercedes-Benz->ke187 220C and even the CL-Class many years later. The look of the roof pillars and extremely tiny C-pillar almost echoes the styling of modern tent roof designs in architecture, like on the Denver airport or Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina hotel.

Regardless, the roof and trunk create a dramatic style all their own.

The nose is pretty unappealing to modern eyes, with layers of grilles and lights making it look very busy and cluttered. Even so, there was no doubt about getting out of the way if you saw this in you Citroen ->ke22 2CV's (optional) rear-view mirror.

1958 Facel Vega FVS Series 4 Sport Coupe - Taillight Detail:

1957 Chrysler 300C, 1958 Facel Vega and 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL600 Image Comparison

Interior

The interior is really special. If a Bentley ->ke15 is like a cigar lounge, this is like the Moulin Rouge. Burled walnut forms the entire dash panel, with a huge center console and wood-rimmed steering wheel. The Chrysler ->ke4431 Powerflite autobox is controlled by selecting park, reverse, low or high - so it needs the 'High' button pushed when accelerating up to highway speeds.

Stunning custom luggage came with this car, and the whole interior feels worth the price. A great view and near-cabrio levels of airflow came with the pillarless coupe design, showing off this bordello on wheels to all who see you drive past.

1958 Facel Vega FVS Series 4 Sport Coupe - Custom Luggage Detail:

Drivetrain, Engine and Brakes

The engine was the heart of this car, and what made it so special and desirable versus anything from the very few other French automakers who survived WWII. This engine was almost the top Chrysler ->ke21 , Ford or Chevy engine of the time, bringing 396 cubic inches of power and 345 horsepower. The modern engine measurement is 6.4-liters, explaining the latest SRT Hemi->ke4431's origin.

With a claimed 430 pound-feet of torque, both of the power figures are firmly retro in their accuracy, with actual outputs by modern measurement far lower. Regardless, the Facel Vega feels omnipotent on the road, reaching 60 mph in under 10 seconds before a 130 mph claimed top speed.

Cutting length versus the 300C's tail fins, the Facel Vega was one of the fastest luxury cars available in the world when it was new.

1958 Facel Vega FVS Series 4 Sport Coupe - Mechanical Details:

Engine

6.4-liter Chrysler Hemi V-8

Transmission

2-Speed Pushbutton Powerflite Automatic

Powertrain Layout

Front-engine, Rear-drive

Power

345

Torque

430

0-60 mph

9.5, est

Top Speed

130, est

EPA Fuel Economy MPG (City/Highway/Combined)

12/15/12, est


Pricing and Availability

Very few Facel Vega's ever appear in public, and even more rarely are they offered for sale in absolutely pristine condition. Restored just last year, this FVS Series 4 Sport Coupe sold for $302,000 by RM Auctions last month.

Conclusion

Love everything about the Facel Vega concept and styling, especially how influential its pillars and deep stamped panels would be on Mercedes-Benz->ke187.

Yes, the nose is a mess but it was the epitome of style and class in its day. The gorgeous and comfortable cabin is on par with anything from Rolls-Royce or Bentley ->ke15 in that time period, which is truly astounding for a new company like Facel Vega.

Low volumes and evolving tastes meant the Facel Vega was not 'en vogue' for very long. New body styles yearly by the American brands instantly left the FVS Sport Coupe looking staid by the early 1960s. Its replacement would have such mechanical woes as to sink the promising company altogether.