Today’s car is a 1957 Facel Vega FV2B Cabriolet that I photographed at The Marina del Rey Cars and Coffee located in Marina Del Rey, CA. The car is finished in black with a black top and a warm red leather interior. It is powered by a 285 hp, 5.4 liter, Chrysler hemi-head V8 engine, with a single Carter WCFB four-barrel carburetor, mated to a Chrysler PowerFlite 2-speed automatic transmission with 3.31:1 rear axle. Slowing this beauty down are 11-inch finned drum brakes at all 4-corners. The front independent suspension consist of upper and lower A-arms, coil springs and an anti-roll bar. The rear suspension consists of a live axle with longitudinal semi-elliptic leaf springs.
This older restoration has begun to develop a subtle patina, but still retains its splendor. It is equipped with power steering, power brakes, and a push-button transmission with elegant details like the monogrammed tail lamps, wraparound windshield, egg-crate grille, and Robergel 15 wire wheels with 3-ear knockoff hubs. This grand touring car is desirably appointed with power windows and a power top. The early FVs were the first cars to come equipped with a center console over the gear box.
Most famously, Forges et Ateliers de Construction d’Eure et de Loire SA, or Facel, evolved into a full-scale car manufacturer in 1954 with the introduction of the Vega, a handsome and luxuriously appointed Grand touring four-seater. It proved to be an immediate hit, and the list of prominent owners includes Pablo Picasso, Christian Dior, Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, Tony Curtis, Danny Kaye, Joan Fontaine, and Ava Gardner and even Stirling Moss who preferred driving his Facel between races instead of flying.
Facel Vega FV production ran from 1954 to 1958, evolving through seven variants and accounting for a total of 354 cars, of which 72 were FV2Bs. Of those, only 20 were equipped with power steering, and this car is one of only two cabriolets produced. The MSRP was $7,505.00. The published top speed was 125 mph, with a 0–60 mph time of 10.0 seconds. This rare grand touring cabriolet is a beautifully preserved example of an older restoration. What a great car to take to French or European car shows, Cars & Coffee events, or for a leisurely drive up the coast. Thank you for riding along. Frank
