Miguel Sánchez
PHOTOS FACEL-VEGA EXCELLENCE 1958: COYS
The history of Facel Vega it was a fireworks display. It did not last long, it attracted a lot of attention, it exploded just when it was at its highest and it still leaves a striking memory. The trajectory of latest French manufacturer exclusively dedicated to luxury cars it ended in 1964, just a decade after it was founded. And the truth is, if you look at the genesis of the idea ... It is even surprising that it didn't close before.
And it is that the history of Facel-Vega was that of a "Come up". Founded in 1939, FACEL SA operated for years as a lucrative auto body company. He signed contracts with Bentley, Delahage, Ford ... But secretly harbored the drive to build his own car. Suddenly, the signing with SIMCA for the manufacture of some 45.000 bodies offered FACEL the first financial opportunity to achieve this.
The company changed its name to Facel-Vega and in 1954 he presented his first car: the FV / FVS coupe, from which its famous HK500 would be derived. The attempt to combine the highest quality, design and mechanics was undeniable. And although he was largely successful ... The truth is that his designs were not finished well. The mechanics were bought abroad and, when it was made in-house… The reliability problems were enormous. Question that happened with the one who was to be his star model: the Facellia.
In fact that model was the touchstone for the sinking of Facel-Vega. It was designed to be the company's best-selling and most lucrative, but constant engine breakdowns ruined the brand's reputation. When Facel-Vega looked to replace the French-made engine by incorporating the ingenuity of a Volvo P1800... It was already too late, thus closing his Parisian factory in 1964.
However, and as if it were one of the fireworks that we mentioned before, Facel-Vega had time to create one of the most acclaimed luxury sedans of its time: the Excellence. Its less than 170 specimens survive as collectible jewels, even more so if one even passed through the hands of actress Ava Gardner.
FACEL-VEGA EXCELLENCE EX. A RARE FIRST SERIES
The production of the Excellence is divided into three series. By far the second -EX1- is the most common, while the first -EX- and the third -EX2- are extremely rare. Of the last only 8 were produced, while the first was only in production from May to October 1958. This has 10 chassis numbers, of which the last one is our protagonist, delivered directly from the factory to the "Most beautiful animal in the world"Ava Gardner.
What distinguishes the EX from the rest of the series is its engine: a Chrysler "hemi”First series of 6'4 liters, 8 cylinders in V and 360CV responsible for equipping the tremendous 1955 Imperial. This engine, which could be combined with a 4-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic, made the Excellence an extremely powerful saloon, but without sporty overtones. Here everything was devised for comfort. Its body without center pillar and suicide-opening rear doors are reminiscent of the 1961 Lincoln Continental. But the Facel-Vega is older… Pure innovation.
After all, this model tried to imitate the great American sedans of the moment from Europe, although it was narrower and lower, which gave it better dynamics and performance. He also tried to look from you to you with Rolls-Royce, offering for the same value as 4 Citroën DS and 10 Ranault Dauphine of the time. Value that has not lost anything. Today it is a highly valued car, even more so if we talk about copies belonging to the brief first series.
TO AUCTION. EX AVA GARDNER
Within Facel-Vega's promotion policy was to place their cars next to the celebrities of the moment. And in part they succeeded… Leaving aside the fact that Albert Camus killed himself in one of them, characters like Picasso, Ringo Starr or Tony Curtis gave the brand a luster. Yes indeed, This Excellence EX went direct to Ava Gardner in September 1958.
According to the Coys auction house this Facel-Vega underwent a restoration some time ago, running today in perfect condition. However, judging by the patina of the bodywork and the condition of the seats ... That restoration had to be a long time ago. At the end of the day, this Excellence EX is going to be 61 years old this 2019.
As confirmed by the auction house itself, it was sold this January in Maastrich for 160.000 pounds (186.465 euros). Whoever its new owner is, he has acquired one of the most curious European luxury cars of all time.
