Facel Vega. 1955–8 (prod. 428 incl. 1958 HK 500). 2-door coupé, 2-door convertible. F/R, 4527, 4528, 4770, 4940, 5413, 5801, 6430 cm³ (V8 OHV). Forges et Ateliers de Construction d’Eure-et-Loir’s grand routier, taking up the tradition of the Delage and Delahaye postwar, and an early adopter of American V8 power. Originally, Facel was the marque, Vega the model; Vega was later appended to the marque name. Poor drum brakes could not handle the power; automatic option available. Prototypes in 1954, first deliveries 1955; original model with 4528 cm³ de Soto Hemi V8. FV1 succeeded the original shape in May 1955 and gained 12 cm in length and a new roofline along with 4770 cm³ Hemi. FV2 gained wraparound screen, 1955–6. FV2B with 5·4, 12 V electrics and stacked headlights for 1956. FV3 for 1956–7 with smaller Chrysler 4527 cm³ V8. FV3B for 1957–8 with larger engine (4940 cm³) and Torqueflite automatic; length and width grew during the run; largely contemporaneous FV4 for US market with two largest Hemi engines.

Manufacturing location: Colombes, Paris, France

Marque: Facel | Successor: Facel Vega HK 500