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Jaeger-LeCoultre

Power is Power...

 

Outstanding choice of a Facel II for a photo feature!  Any Facel is a rarity, but an FVII is like finding a Geophysic with the crosshair dial.

About the engines... I wouldn't look askance to a 6.5-6.7 liter Chrysler wedge design. Not with 340+HP and 450+lb-ft. These have a gorgeous burble and bellow that's unavailable elsewhere in European machines of the day (which are charming in their own way). European cars with American engines had a good run in the 1960s between the Facel II, Ford GT40, Shelby Cobra, Sunbeam Tiger, and Jensen Interceptor (to be sure, there were *many* others). I'm pretty sure an Oldsmobile stock block even won a Grand Prix world title with Brabham in '66.

Plus, it makes them that much easier to maintain and drive today. Interior trim must be a nightmare to replace (or fabricate outright!) with any Facel, but I'd imagine a number of U.S.-based mail order companies could keep that engine running strong until its centennial.

Best,
Tim

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15 Comments view entire thread 

Classic Cars and Jaeger board instruments. Facel Vega.

 
By: amanico : September 6th, 2015-01:36
Facel Vega made some very fine cars, in the the Fifties and Sixties. Here is one, from 1964. Some celebrities owned this car, and among them, the french writer Albert Camus. He even died behind its stirring wheel. And to who Facel Vega ordered the board i...  

great cars

 
By: Arie - Mr Orange : September 6th, 2015-02:13
car companies should take a look at the designs of the '50, '60, and 70's. Cars had their own face back then. Now they more or less all look alike. Which is a shame.

Well, there are still some exceptions, like the latest Jaguar Coupé F Type.

 
By: amanico : September 6th, 2015-02:16
The Audi R 10, and a few others... But yes, the modern automotive ladnscape is a a bit sad. Best, Nicolas

owned by a Beatle too!

 
By: colinwillsher : September 6th, 2015-07:55
I seem to remember seeing photos of Ringo Starr - aka Richard Starkey - in his Facel Vega, which from memory looked very similiar to this one. Clear Ringo could afford any car, so the fact that he chose a Facel Vega speaks volumes about the quality and ap... 

What a cool, yet timeless beauty !.. It's lines, the appeal, the dashboard !.. All these contribute to a fine statement !.. ;))

 
By: hs111 : September 6th, 2015-05:09
We should never forget ( for Vintage cars and watches alike), - we here are not real "owners", just the present keepers; Thus, Carpe diem ! Best, hs

Superb choice

 
By: KMII : September 6th, 2015-10:53
Of car and instrumentation. Facel Vega was one of the few French post war attempts at automotive grandeur, and was quite the ticket for a while. Build quality was somewhat indifferent though and handling was more American than European. Once the V8s were ... 

Power is Power...

 
By: Tim_M : September 6th, 2015-15:22
Outstanding choice of a Facel II for a photo feature! Any Facel is a rarity, but an FVII is like finding a Geophysic with the crosshair dial. About the engines... I wouldn't look askance to a 6.5-6.7 liter Chrysler wedge design. Not with 340+HP and 450+lb... 

Agree

 
By: KMII : September 6th, 2015-17:08
As said, it was all downhill from the point the V8s were no longer used. As for the U.S. Engine in European car, let\'s also not forget Gordon Keeble (early outing for Giugiaro), and various Monteverdis, Iso Rivoltas, DeTomasos, etc. - all machines with a... 

+ 1000 !

 
By: Mike H : September 6th, 2015-16:57
I remember seeing a wonderful collection of Facel Vega last september at the Concours Arts & Elegance Richard Mille (actually not only Facel Vega, there was a huge number of Delage, Bugatti... and so many you could not name them). Could not attend the...