Facel Vega FVS Series 4 Sport Coupe

Posted on 08.30.2013 19:00 by Tom Burkart

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 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-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 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 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.

Facel Vega FVS Series 4 Sport Coupe originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 August 2013 19:00 EST.

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