Ford Comete: Vintage Automotive Overview

Key Points from the Discussion

• The Ford Comète, launched in 1951 by Ford Société Anonyme France, was based on the Vedette and manufactured by Facel-Métallon at Colombes. It shared design elements with the Simca 8 Sport and was later sold under the Simca Comète name after Simca acquired Ford SAF.
• The Comète featured beautiful lines but was equipped with a V8 engine that, while respectable, was not exceptionally powerful, ranging from 74 to 104 horsepower. Its design is often described as 'clumsy' or 'pataude' compared to the more refined Facel Vega.
• Many collectors, like Subexplorer and jerry6, were unaware of the Ford Comète's existence, highlighting its obscurity despite its significant design and manufacturing history involving Facel and Simca.
• While the Ford Comète is more financially accessible than a Facel Vega, some collectors, like saniloc, suggest that for a slightly higher investment, one could acquire a Facel III with a more desirable Volvo 1800 engine.
• The body of the Ford Comète was indeed made and likely designed by Facel, a detail that adds to its unique European-American heritage and appeal.