Footnotes

"The HK500 was the most interesting car we ever made but the Facel II was the best. It was totally elegant." – Jean Daninos.

In its relatively short life, the French firm of Facel produced approximately 2,900 cars, all of which were stylish, luxurious, and fast. Hand built, they were necessarily very expensive – the Facel II was priced in Rolls-Royce territory – and bought by the rich and famous seeking something exclusive and distinctive. The roll call of owners includes royalty, politicians, diplomats, and entertainers: Tony Curtis, Danny Kaye, Ringo Starr, Joan Fontaine, and Ava Gardner being counted among the latter. Confirming that there was high-performance substance behind Facel's unquestionable style, they were owned and driven by great motor racing figures such as Sir Stirling Moss, Maurice Trintignant, and Rob Walker.

Forges et Ateliers de Constructions d'Eure-et-Loire (Facel) was founded in December 1939 as a subsidiary of the military aeronautics company Bronzavia. After WW2 Facel was headed by Jean Daninos, formerly Bronzavia's technical director, who merged the company with Mètallon. Facel engaged in the supply of car bodies to Panhard, Simca, and Ford before diversifying into automobile manufacture in its own right with the launch of the Vega at the 1954 Paris Salon. A luxurious Grande Routière, the Vega featured supremely elegant coupé bodywork welded to a tubular-steel chassis. There being no suitable French-built power unit, Daninos turned to the USA, that chosen being a Chrysler V8, setting the pattern for future models.

Launched in 1961, the Facel II was destined to be the last of the V8-engined models. Road testing one in 1962, Autocar commented: "A striking amalgamation of French, American and British components, the big Facel has a wonderful way of covering the miles extremely fast without mechanical fuss." Following an unsuccessful venture into engine manufacture that effectively bankrupted the company, production ceased in 1964 after a mere 182 Facel IIs had been built. Today these rare Franco-American GTs are among the most highly sought after of post-war classics.

This Facel II was delivered new to Belgium finished in Bleu Facel Irisé (Iridescent Facel Blue), and left the factory equipped with the Pont-à-Mousson manual gearbox and wire wheels. The current vendor purchased the Facel from The Gallery (Aaldering Classic & Sportscars, Brummen) in January 2011. A copy of the bill of sale is on file and the car also comes with copy old French registration papers. Stored since acquisition, the car will require re-commissioning before further use.

Please note that this vehicle is not offered with any original registration documents, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.

Please note that if this vehicle remains within Belgium the reduced rate of Import VAT at 6% will be charged on the hammer price. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered country's rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.