Successful 'Around The World In 80 Days' rally participant
1965 Facel 6 Rally Car

• Ultra-rare French sports car
• One of only 35 Facel 6 coupés built
• Austin-Healey 3000 engine
• Fully equipped for long-distance rallying

Shortly before Facel ceased production in October 1964, the French company had introduced the Facel 6, a smaller model powered by BMC's dependable 2.9-litre six-cylinder engine as used in the Austin-Healey 3000. Sadly, it came too late to influence Facel's fate and only 44 were built: 35 coupés, eight cabriolets, and a single hardtop cabriolet.

The Facel 6 coupé offered here has an amazing history, as recorded in the accompanying book written by its owner. He found the car in Lyon in a dismantled, partly restored state and had it rebuilt by specialist John Barton in time for the start of Philip Young's 'Around The World In 80 Days' rally in May 2000, the longest rally ever organised. Modifications included fitting a large fuel tank; special air-filter system; larger radiator; cooling fans; Koni dampers; roll cage; under-tray; and a Webasto sunroof. In addition, the engine was detuned to cope with low-grade petrol. The Facel was painted blue and became known as 'Cordon Bleu', its red sister-car being named 'Cordon Rouge'.

Cordon Bleu was flagged away from Tower Bridge on 1st May 2000 by Stirling Moss, its progress being reported in The Daily Telegraph. The team's effort was intended to raise money for two cancer charities. In the event, only Cordon Bleu would complete the course, Cordon Rouge retiring at Istanbul.

A new exhaust system was fitted in Istanbul and Cordon Bleu ran well through Asia although repairs put it behind schedule; the crew made up all the lost time by driving non-stop through Alaska and Canada. By this time the engine needed changing and a rally-prepared replacement was sourced in California and flown to Montana for installation. Having been flown from the USA to Africa, the Facel headed north to Tangier and thence to Europe, crossing London Bridge on 18th July. The team's magnificent effort raised more than £200,000 for its chosen charities.

More recently the vendor has carried out the following works: overhauling both rear brake callipers and the handbrake mechanism; Changing the engine oil and filter; fitting new spark plugs; tuning/balance the carburettors; and refurbishing the wheels. The car will have a fresh MoT for the sale, despite not needing one, and also comes with an extensive history file documenting its 'Around The World In 80 Days' adventure (inspection recommended). This historic Facel is ready to delight its next owner, affording the prospect of pleasurable participation in events such as 'Rally the Globe' 'Classic Rallies', and 'Bespoke Rallies'.