Facel Vega FV1-54-002 (1954)
Forges et Ateliers de Constructions d’Eure-et-Loir or Facel S.A. was founded in December 1939 by Bronzavia, a French manufacturer of military aircraft components. In 1945, Facel merged with Métallon forming Facel-Métallon to coachbuild special projects for Simca, Ford, Panhard, and Delahaye. Jean Daninos, former technical director for Bronzavia took charge of Facel-Métallon in 1945. He began his career with Citroen – a French automotive brand – designing Traction coupés and cabriolets.
In 1948, a luxury car division was established. They specialized making various Simca Sport models gaining publicity in collaboration with Pinin Farina Design Studio. A special bodied Bentley was built on the Bentley MK VI chassis resulting in the famous Bentley Cresta. The exclusive Ford Comète began production September of 1951 and ended in 1955 when Simca took over Ford of France.
Under the Facel-Métallon union, scooters were built for Vespa, Piaggio, and Motobécane. Army jeeps were built for Delahaye. Special production runs for Simca, Delahaye, and Somua trucks were expedited. The company also built Massey Ferguson tractors. Stainless steel bumpers, hubcaps, and grilles were stamped for Simca, Ford, and Renault. Monocoque construction became popular with mass-produced cars forcing Facel-Métallon to lose their larger flagship accounts. The partnership lasted through 1953.
Jean Daninos wanted to build a French grand marque to compete with the luxury grand touring automobiles of the world. He ventured out making these cars using Chrysler V8 powerplants. Volvo and Austin engines were alternatives towards the end of the venture. Daninos gained knowledge during WWII working with General Aircraft here in the USA with experience gained using Bronzavia patents.
The Chrysler powered French luxury saloon concept became a Franco-American luxury/performance hybrid named Facel Vega. Classy styling continuity boasts elegant cosmopolitan-inspired architecture for each model. A fresh, pillarless hardtop design makes them as classic as they are contemporary for their day. All Facel Vega motorcars are built as traditional body on frame construction configured as front engine rear-wheel drive.
The first prototype was drawn in 1951. By October 1952 the prototype was fully functional and was taken out on the road in the real world for testing. It was sent to Chrysler here in the USA for further testing. Chassis # FV-54-002 is the pioneer ‘Vega’ in its initial stage. This car’s unique tubular frame is designed by Lance Macklin, son of Sir Noel Macklin of Railton fame. Lance is a former member of the HWM racing team with Stirling Moss and Mike Collins.
Facel Vega FV1-54-002 (1954)
Forges et Ateliers de Constructions d’Eure-et-Loir or Facel S.A. was founded in December 1939 by Bronzavia, a French manufacturer of military aircraft components. In 1945, Facel merged with Métallon forming Facel-Métallon to coachbuild special projects for Simca, Ford, Panhard, and Delahaye. Jean Daninos, former technical director for Bronzavia took charge of Facel-Métallon in 1945. He began his career with Citroen – a French automotive brand – designing Traction coupés and cabriolets.
In 1948, a luxury car division was established. They specialized making various Simca Sport models gaining publicity in collaboration with Pinin Farina Design Studio. A special bodied Bentley was built on the Bentley MK VI chassis resulting in the famous Bentley Cresta. The exclusive Ford Comète began production September of 1951 and ended in 1955 when Simca took over Ford of France.
Under the Facel-Métallon union, scooters were built for Vespa, Piaggio, and Motobécane. Army jeeps were built for Delahaye. Special production runs for Simca, Delahaye, and Somua trucks were expedited. The company also built Massey Ferguson tractors. Stainless steel bumpers, hubcaps, and grilles were stamped for Simca, Ford, and Renault. Monocoque construction became popular with mass-produced cars forcing Facel-Métallon to lose their larger flagship accounts. The partnership lasted through 1953.
Jean Daninos wanted to build a French grand marque to compete with the luxury grand touring automobiles of the world. He ventured out making these cars using Chrysler V8 powerplants. Volvo and Austin engines were alternatives towards the end of the venture. Daninos gained knowledge during WWII working with General Aircraft here in the USA with experience gained using Bronzavia patents.
The Chrysler powered French luxury saloon concept became a Franco-American luxury/performance hybrid named Facel Vega. Classy styling continuity boasts elegant cosmopolitan-inspired architecture for each model. A fresh, pillarless hardtop design makes them as classic as they are contemporary for their day. All Facel Vega motorcars are built as traditional body on frame construction configured as front engine rear-wheel drive.
The first prototype was drawn in 1951. By October 1952 the prototype was fully functional and was taken out on the road in the real world for testing. It was sent to Chrysler here in the USA for further testing. Chassis # FV-54-002 is the pioneer ‘Vega’ in its initial stage. This car’s unique tubular frame is designed by Lance Macklin, son of Sir Noel Macklin of Railton fame. Lance is a former member of the HWM racing team with Stirling Moss and Mike Collins.